How to File a Complaint

Complaints Regarding Licensed Nurses

The Maine State Board of Nursing licenses registered professional nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The Board also licenses advanced practice (nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists and clinical nurse specialists).

If you have a complaint regarding the competence or unprofessional conduct of a licensed nurse, please send a letter with sufficient detail to:

Maine State Board of Nursing
158 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0158

The following items should be included in your letter:

  • Your name and contact information (THE BOARD DOES NOT ACCEPT ANNONYMOUS COMPLAINTS)
  • First and Last name of nurse
  • License number, if known
  • Address or general location (if known)
  • Complete description of facts
  • Description of your concerns in your own words

Written receipt of your complaint will be acknowledged by the Board's Complaint Coordinator.

Your complaint will be reviewed to determine that it is a complaint which the Board has jurisdiction.

The complaint will be investigated which will include sending a copy of the complaint to the nurse for his or her written response. You will be copied on that response when received.

When the investigation is complete, the complaint file will be reviewed by the Board at its subsequent meeting.

At the time of its first review, the Board may dismiss the complaint, request further investigation, issue a Letter of Concern, order an Informal Conference to discuss the complaint further, or order an Adjudicatory Hearing. As a complainant, you would be able to attend the Informal Conference and/or Adjudicatory Hearing.

Complaints regarding Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs)

The Board of Nursing does NOT regulate CNAs. Please send any complaints regarding CNAs to the attention of the:

CNA Registry
11 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0011

Click Here to go to the CNA Registry Website