Request a review of a complaint dismissal

A complaint is dismissed if the Complaints Director is satisfied that there is insufficient or no evidence of unprofessional conduct, or if satisfied that the complaint is trivial (without merit) or vexatious (complaint is solely to harass or subdue a person).

If a complainant believes the dismissal was unreasonable, they have the right to request a review by the Complaint Review Committee (CRC).

How to request a review

The request must:

  • be in writing (email, fax or letter)
  • be signed by the complainant
  • include reasons for requesting the review

  • be sent within 30 days of the complaint receipt of the Notice of Dismissal to:

    Hearings Director
    CARNA
    11120 – 178 Street
    Edmonton, Alberta  T5S 1P2

The dismissed complaint is forwarded to the Complaints Review Committee (CRC ) who reads the request, the Investigation Report and the Decision of the Complaints Director. The CRC then considers whether or not the Complaints Director reached a reasonable decision.

Possible responses to a complaint dismissal

The CRC will make a decision to either:

  1. Uphold the Complaints Director’s decision to dismiss the complaint.
  2. Refer the matter back to the Complaints Director for further investigation.
  3. Refer the matter to a Hearing. 
The complainant and investigated nurse are notified in writing of the outcome. There is no right to a further review of the CRC's decision.