When to Report? A Complaint Evaluation Tool

The Alabama Board Nursing (ABN) Standards of Practice require the licensed nurse to accept individual responsibility and accountability for timely reporting of illegal, substandard, unethical, unsafe, or incompetent nursing practice directly to the Board of Nursing. ABN Administrative Code § 610-X-6-.03(14).

It is not the intent, however, of the Nurse Practice Act that every nursing error be reported.

The Board’s Standards of Practice guide the nurse’s conduct, and the Board’s disciplinary rules define unprofessional conduct. ABN has published the attached form to be used as a guide to help determine when reporting should occur. This form is optional; any report of actual or potential unsafe practice can be reported regardless of the score on this form. The intent of the ABN form is to provide guidance for those individuals who are unsure if a report is required.

It is important to note the following:

• This tool is NOT to be used for any other agencies or regulatory entities that require complaints or reports submitted to them. Nothing in this tool relieves the facility of its mandatory reporting obligations, including but not limited to mandated reporting to any federal or state regulatory entities.
• If the outcome of this form is not to report, then a copy of this form should be maintained. If the outcome of this form results in a report to the ABN, then inclusion of the completed form along with the complaint will aid the Board’s investigation process.
• Reporting should occur regardless of the score on this form if a patient was harmed (including, but not limited to, increase length of stay; increased level of care; significant harm or injury; or death).