Concerns about a Respiratory Therapist
It is the responsibility of the Nova Scotia Regulator of Respiratory Therapy (NSRRT) (the "Regulator") to address concerns related to practice of Respiratory Therapists in Nova Scotia. If you have a concern regarding a respiratory therapist (including a respiratory therapist practicing as an anesthesia assistant), please review this information to determine whether filing a complaint with the Regulator is the best way to address your concern, and to ensure that you have the information you need to begin the process.
The NSRRT investigates all complaints and processes them through the Registrar, the Complaints Committee, and the Professional Conduct Committee. The rules for how complaints are processed are set by the Regulated Health Professions Act and Regulations.
Submitting a concern:
If you have a concern about a respiratory therapist, please fill out and submit the Complaint Form. Alternatively, you may submit your complaint in a written document by email or regular mail. If you mail your complaint, mark it as confidential and address it to the Registrar.
Please include the following information with all complaints:
- -Your full name and contact information
- -The name of the respiratory therapist you are making the complaint about, or as much information as you can provide to help identify that individual (date, time, and location of the incident, relevant demographic details regarding the respiratory therapist)
- -Your relationship to the respiratory therapist
- -The name of the patient/client if you are submitting the complaint on their behalf.
- -As many facts and details regarding the complaint as possible (including a description of actions/behaviours which caused your concerns, when and where the incident occurred, and who else was present or may have relevant information about the incident)
- -Confirmation whether you have raised the concerns with any other organizations or whether any other investigations are ongoing (e.g. police involvement)
- -A description of how you think your concerns could be resolved
- -If you have any documentation which is relevant to your concerns, you may also provide that information
If you need assistance with submitting a complaint, including because of accessibility needs, or would like to speak to someone before submitting a concern, please contact us.
Complaints are not anonymous.
When you submit a complaint, you will be contacted by staff of the NSRRT within 5-10 business days to acknowledge receipt and provide you with information on next steps. Although there is no time limit to bring a complaint forward, it is important to let the NSRRT know as soon as possible. Complaints can also be made against a former NSRRT registrant who was registered at the time of the incident but no longer holds a license.
Who can complain?
Anyone has the right to complain to the NSRRT about the professional conduct or care provided by a Respiratory Therapist this includes members of the public, registrants of the profession, other healthcare professionals, employers, and even the Registrar.
What happens after a complaint is filed?
When the NSRRT receives a complaint, the Registrar is informed right away. The Registrar will then contact you to confirm that your complaint has been received. After that, the complaint is sent to the NSRRT Complaints Committee. A group of three people—one member of the public and two respiratory therapists—will review the complaint and decide how to handle it. A list of committee members can be found HERE. When a complaint is made against a respiratory therapist, the Registrar must notify them and give them a copy of the complaint. The therapist then has a chance to respond. Their response is usually shared with the person who made the complaint, and that person is asked to provide their comments on it.
The panel can assign an investigator to collect important information. This might involve reviewing medical records, gathering documents, talking to witnesses, and speaking with co-workers and employers. Once the investigation is complete, the investigator writes a report and shares it with both the panel and the respiratory therapist involved in the complaint.
The panel must give you, the respiratory therapist involved, and anyone else they think is relevant a fair chance to present information. This can include explanations, documents, medical records, or anything else related to the complaint.
Who decides?
The panel is responsible for making a decision on the the complaint. Once the panel has gathered all of the information it considers necessary, they must do one of the following:
- -Dismiss the complaint
- -Counsel or caution the registrant
- -With the registrant's consent, order that the registrant recive a reprimand which will be communicated to the registrant, you, and any other person the panel considers relevant.
- -Informally resolve the complaint
- -Or, if it is determined that the complaint warrants a hearing, refer the matter to the Professional Conduct Committee.
The panel will write a report explaining their decision and the reasons behind it. This report is usually given to you, the respiratory therapist involved, and anyone else the panel thinks should receive it. Once the Complaints Committee makes a decision, it is final and can only be challenged in court through a judicial review.
The NSRRT is committed to a fair, respectful and professional complaints process.