How to File a Complaint

How to File a Complaint

	COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT

	The purpose of the Compliance Department of the Louisiana State Board of Practical Nurse Examiners is to assure that the licensed practical nurse(s) are providing safe, quality care to all of the patients, residents, or clients who are ill, disabled or dependent on others for their well being. To ensure public trust and maintain the highest of standards, the Compliance Department is designed to investigate a situation in which a nurse allegedly fails to practice appropriately in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth in the Louisiana Revised Statutes. In order to seek a fair resolution, this investigation requires a gathering of pertinent facts from the complainant to determine if a violation has occurred.


	WHO CAN FILE A COMPLAINT?

	Anyone may file a complaint if they believe a licensed practical nurse has violated the law and/or provided substandard care. Complaints are received from consumers, their families, other members of the health care industry, law enforcement agencies, self report from an LPN, and health care facilities. All licensed health care professionals, including L.P.N.s must report any other health care professional who they believe is behaving in an illegal, unethical, or incompetent manner (LA Administrative Code. Title 42. Part XLVII. Section 306).


	PATH OF A COMPLAINT

	Click: Path of a Complaint. (Note: If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, scroll down for information on how to download it.)


	WHAT TYPE OF CONDUCT SHOULD BE REPORTED?

	Conduct that violates expected standards of care that may result in harm to any person must be reported. There is no list of what should be reported. If there is a question about whether a nurse's conduct should be reported, please contact the Board office for clarity.

	Examples of conduct that demonstrate poor judgment or skill resulting in violations of the Nurse Practice Act that are reportable to the Board are as follows:

			Suspected Drug Diversion
			Falsification of Documents
			Impairment
			Positive Drug Screen, Without Valid Prescription
			Misappropriation/Theft
			Exploitation of Patient
			Physical/Verbal Abuse
			Patient Neglect
			Sexual Abuse/Boundary Violations
			Medication Errors
			Giving Medications Without An Authorized Order
			Criminal Charges, Arrest, or Convictions
			Failure to Assess or Intervene on Behalf of the Patient



	HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT?

	* All complaints made to the board are investigated.

	In order to expedite the processing of your complaint, we have three forms for use in reporting an LPN, one for consumers, one for facilities and one for an LPN to self-report. Please click on the form you need and follow the instructions below.

	Note: To download the forms, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
			Click the icon or visit www.adobe.com if you do not have this.

		Consumer Complaint Form

		Facility Complaint Form

		Self-Report Form

	When using the form(s), please submit the correct names, addresses, and telephone numbers, both home and business, of all persons named in the complaint, including that of the complainant, the nurse and all others. All blanks should be filled in as completely as possible. Mail or fax the complaint form, along with the information listed above to:

	LOUISIANA STATE BOARD OF PRACTICAL NURSE EXAMINERS
	ATTN: COMPLIANCE DEPARTMENT
	3421 NORTH CAUSEWAY BLVD. SUITE 505
	METAIRIE, LA 70002

	PHONE: 504-838-5791
	FAX: 504-838-5279

	Thank you in advance for your concern to help maintain the highest professional care in Louisiana. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Board office @ (504) 838-5791.