Filing a Complaint Against a Nurse

Written complaints should be reported as soon as you have substantiated or otherwise have reasons to believe that a violation of the Nurse Practice Act has occurred, and you have followed the policies within the healthcare facility regarding mandatory reporting. If the facility or agency's administrators refuse or delay reporting, it is appropriate for a staff nurse or nurse manager to take responsibility for reporting to the Arizona Board of Nursing.

How do I file a complaint?

• Initial reports to the board of nursing should be in writing, except for emergent matters, such as suspected drug diversion/impairment or sexual abuse complaints. Please provide as much detail as possible regarding the "who, what, where, why and how."
• Identify the nurse, registered nurse (RN) or certified nursing assistant, including the correct spelling of their name, their license or certificate number if known, and their social security number if available. This will assist in identifying the correct individual. If possible, please provide the last known address and phone number of the individual.
• Provide a detailed summary of each allegation violating the Nurse Practice Act, including dates of each alleged incident and the medical record number or name of the patient involved. Supplying medical record numbers or patient names is not a violation of confidentiality or HIPPA.
• Be very specific in describing the event, including the date and location of incident.
• Provide a list of any witnesses. The nursing board is interested in first-hand observations based on personal knowledge and not on hearsay from others.
• Provide legible copies of relevant records and other information.
• Be sure to include your contact information.

Where do I send the complaint?

Mail your written complaint to:

Arizona State Board of Nursing
C/O Complaints/Investigations
4747 North 7th Street Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85014-3653

OR fax your written complaint to: 602-889-5155

In addition to filing a complaint, you may also seek legal counsel for more options available to you in resolving any healthcare negligence issues. Contact the Arizona medical malpractice lawyers at Patton Law Practice for a free consultation. We serve the legal needs of clients in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Peoria, Chandler, Glendale, and throughout the state.