Inquiries into Complaints

After a complaint has been investigated by the Health Care Complaints Commission, the Commission consults with the Nurses and Midwives Board to decide how to deal with the complaint.

If there is evidence that would permit the complaint to be proved before an Inquiry, then the complaint may be referred to a Professional Standards Committee or to the Nurses and Midwives Tribunal.

A Professional Standards Committee is able to make a finding of "unsatisfactory professional conduct" and, while it can make certain determinations, it cannot suspend or cancel a nurse or midwife's registration or enrolment.  More serious matters that may constitute "professional misconduct" are referred to the Nurses and Midwives Tribunal which has the power to suspend or cancel registration or enrolment.

If the matter relates to impairment or the physical or mental capacity to practise nursing or midwifery it may still be dealt with by a Professional Standards Committee or an Impairment Panel even though the matter might otherwise warrant suspension or cancellation or registration.

Inquiries by Professional Standards Committees are usually closed to the public while Inquiries by the Nurses and Midwives Tribunal are usually open to the public.