Concerns about a Respiratory Therapist
The Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists (NSCRT) looks into complaints about respiratory therapists from anyone, including patients, healthcare professionals, and employers. Complaints can be about a therapist’s professional behavior, general conduct that is inappropriate for the profession, or concerns about their ability to work due to physical or mental health issues
The NSCRT 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 Respiratory Therapists Act and Regulations.
Submitting a concern:
If you have a concern about a respiratory therapist, submit it in writing. You can send your complaint by email, regular mail, or through the online form. If you mail your complaint, mark it as confidential and address it to the Registrar. If you need assistance with submitting the complaint, please contact the Registrar at registrar@nscrt.com.
Registrar
Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists
604-5657 Spring Garden Road, Lobby Box 142
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3R4
If you would like to speak to someone before submitting a concern, please contact the Registrar by calling 782-222-2408 .
A written complaint should include the following information whenver possible:
- -Your name and contact address and phone numbers;
- -The name of the patient/client if you are submitting the complaint on their behalf.
- -The member's name and place of employment (if you do not know the name of the Respiratory Therapist, please provide as much detail and identifying information as possible);
- -The date, location, and description of incident(s)including specific concerns about the behaviour of or care provided by the member;
- -Names of and contact information of any witnesses to the incident(s);
- -Any additional information you feel is pertinent.
When the complaint is received you will be contacted by the Registrar. Although there is no time limit to bring a complaint forward, it is important to let the NSCRT know as soon as possible. Complaints can also be made against a former NSCRT member 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 NSCRT about the professional conduct or care provided by a Respiratory Therapist this includes members of the public, members of the profession, other healthcare professionals, employers, and even the Registrar.
What happens after a complaint is filed?
When the NSCRT 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 NSCRT 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 member
- -With the member's consent, order that the member recive a reprimand which will be communicated to the member, 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 NSCRT is committed to a fair, respectful and professional complaints process.