Can I complain about care in a hospital generally?

The CNO regulates individual nurses. Systemic or facility concerns go to the hospital's patient relations office and then Ontario's Patient Ombudsman.

Does a complaint affect a nurse's employment?

That is the employer's decision, separate from the college. Employers have their own reporting obligations to the CNO in defined circumstances.

College of Nurses of Ontario — Nursing Complaints & Registration

College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)

The CNO regulates Registered Nurses, Registered Practical Nurses and Nurse Practitioners in Ontario. Complaints most often concern medication administration, documentation, scope of practice and professional boundaries. Like other colleges it addresses conduct and competence rather than awarding compensation.

What it does

Registers RNs, RPNs and Nurse Practitioners
Investigates conduct, competence and capacity complaints
Refers matters to its Discipline Committee
Sets practice standards and entry-to-practice requirements

Matters it hears

Medication administration errors
Documentation and charting failures
Practising outside scope of practice
Professional boundary and abuse allegations
Failure to advocate or escalate a deteriorating patient

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB).

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complain about care in a hospital generally?: The CNO regulates individual nurses. Systemic or facility concerns go to the hospital's patient relations office and then Ontario's Patient Ombudsman.
Does a complaint affect a nurse's employment?: That is the employer's decision, separate from the college. Employers have their own reporting obligations to the CNO in defined circumstances.

Get matched with a lawyer

Tell us about your situation and we'll connect you with verified firms that handle it. It's free and there's no obligation.

General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.