The College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA) is the governing body for Registered Psychiatric Nurses in the province of Alberta. The CRPNA mandate is to serve the interest of the public and to guide the profession of psychiatric nursing. The CRPNA registers, issues practice permits and regulates its registrants in accordance with provincial legislation, the Health Professions Act (HPA).
There are a number of avenues within the health-care system, including the CRPNA, where members of the public (patients, family members of a patient, nurses, co-workers, etc.) and employers can make a complaint about a Registered Psychiatric Nurse's conduct. Please note, all employers are legally obligated to report practice concerns, discipline issued, terminations, suspensions, or resignations to the CRPNA.
The CRPNA can only address complaints that fall within its legislated authority as outlined in the Health Professions Act (HPA). Before filing a complaint, it is important to ensure that CRPNA is the appropriate organization to address your concerns.
CRPNA investigates complaints against individual Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) specifically related to their professional conduct. Not all concerns about RPNs require a report to CRPNA, as there are other avenues available for resolution.
Steps to Resolve Concerns
- Speak Directly with the RPN or Employer
- If you have concerns about psychiatric nursing services, CRPNA encourages you to discuss the matter directly with the RPN or their employer (e.g., manager, department head, or facility leadership).
- Employers are responsible for managing concerns about their staff, including RPNs, and most concerns can be addressed at this level.
- Escalate if Needed
- If your concerns are not resolved after speaking with the RPN or their supervisor, you may want to speak with CRPNA's Complaints Department to confirm whether CRPNA has jurisdiction in the matter and explore the best way to proceed.
Types of Complaints CRPNA Cannot Address
Before filing a formal complaint, please ensure your concern falls within CRPNA's jurisdiction. CRPNA cannot address the following types of complaints:
- Complaints About Other Professionals
- If your concern involves a member of another nursing college or a different professional college, contact that specific regulatory body.
- Complaints About Unregulated Practitioners
- CRPNA can only address complaints about individuals who are regulated members of CRPNA, including Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) or Psychiatric Nurses (PNs). If the individual is not using one of these titles, they are likely not a regulated member of CRPNA, and CRPNA cannot take action.
- Complaints Outside CRPNA's Authority
- CRPNA's authority is limited to issues outlined in the Health Professions Act (HPA). CRPNA cannot address:
- Employment or labor relations difficulties
- Compensation issues related to actions of an RPN
- Organizational or societal issues
- CRPNA's authority is limited to issues outlined in the Health Professions Act (HPA). CRPNA cannot address:
Need Guidance?
If you're unsure whether CRPNA can help with your concern or need additional guidance, please contact our Complaints Department at:
- Phone: 780-434-7666 or 1-877-234-7666
- Email: [email protected]
CRPNA recommends reviewing this information carefully to ensure you are directing your complaint to the appropriate organization.
If you have a concern about a Registered Psychiatric Nurse related to patient abuse you should report this to CRPNA. You may also report this to the Protection for Persons in Care (PPC). For other concerns related to patient abuse, not involving a Registered Psychiatric Nurse, you need to contact PPC. You do not need to know the name of an individual health care provider to file a complaint with PPC.
Further information about patient abuse can be found at: health.alberta.ca/services/protection-persons-care.
To report abuse:
Call the PPC reporting line at 1.888.357.9339 (Please note, this is not a crisis line. It operates weekdays from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Report in writing and mail or fax it to:
Alberta Health
Attn: Protection for Persons in Care
Station M, Box 476
Edmonton, AB T5J 2K1
Fax: 780.415.8611
When the Complaints Director receives a written complaint, he/she/they may:
- encourage the complainant and the investigated person to communicate with each other and resolve the complaint:
- attempt to resolve the complaint (with the consent of the complainant and the investigated person);
- refer the complaint to an alternative complaint resolution process;
- request an expert to assess and provide a written report on the matter of the complaint;
- conduct , or appoint an investigator to conduct an investigation;
- dismiss the complaint, if satisfied that it is trivial or vexations;
- dismiss the complaint, if satisfied that there is insufficient or no evidence of unprofessional conduct.
If a complaint is investigated:
Once the investigation is complete, the Complaints Director decides whether a complaint should be dismissed or referred for a hearing.
CRPNA does require a first and last name to come from you. We do not have the access or authority to acquire the name on your behalf. If you aren’t sure you can:
- Ask the RPN directly to identify him or herself
- Contact the health facility where the RPN works
- Review your clinical record which should include the signatures of those providing care
- If still unable to determine the name of the RPN, you may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner
You'll need to submit a separate complaint letter for each Registered Psychiatric Nurse as well as identify the role of each individual as it relates to your complaint. Each complaint will be investigated separately.
There is no time limit as long as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse maintains their status as a regulated member; however, by submitting your complaint in a timely manner it is more likely details can be recalled more easily by those involved. A complaint against a former member must be made within two years from the time they stopped being a member of CRPNA.
You can file a complaint/concern that involves care at an Alberta Health Services facility with the Patient Relations Department by calling 1.855.550.2555 or faxing information to 1.877.871.4340. You can also send your complaint by mail to:
C/O Patient Relations
10030 - 107 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3E4
You can escalate your concern to the Alberta Ombudsman and request an external review.
Phone: Edmonton 780.427.2756 or Calgary 403.297.6185
Toll Free 1.888.455.2756
Email: [email protected]
Website: ombudsman.ab.ca
The CRPNA endeavors, whenever appropriate to resolve complaints informally to achieve results that would be consistent with what might be expected following the completion of a formal process. Resolving complaints informally can usually be achieved more quickly and in a collaborative manner to that of a formal hearing. A complaint can be resolved informally with the consent of the complainant and the RPN.
If after speaking with a member of the Complaints Department, it is determined a formal complaint is necessary take the following steps:
- Request a Complaint Reporting Form by contacting CRPNA by phone or email
- The Health Professions Act (HPA) requires that complaints be submitted in writing and signed with full signature. A completed Complaint Reporting Form can be submitted by:
-
- email: [email protected]
- fax: 780-436-4165
- mail:
The Complaints Director will review your written statement. If necessary, the Complaints Director will appoint a preliminary investigator to look into the allegations. You will receive correspondence from the Complaints Director to inform you of the decision concerning your complaint.
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