Filing a Complaint
All PNCB Certified Pediatric Nurses (CPNs) and Acute Care and Primary Care Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (CPNP-ACs and CPNP-PCs) are to abide by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board's Certificant Code of Ethics. Members of the public who believe that a CPN or CPNP has violated this code may file a complaint with the PNCB. PNCB supports transparency in this process and will also notify the CPN, CPNP-AC, or CPNP-PC of the complaint and the identity of the person who filed the complaint.
When the PNCB is contacted about a potential ethical violation, the following actions will be taken:
-
If an individual chooses to file a complaint about a potential ethical violation with the PNCB, they will be requested to submit a Complaint Form.
-
PNCB will review and evaluate the complaint for jurisdiction. If the issue falls into the state board of nursing’s scope of practice jurisdiction the complainant will be directed to file with the state board (if they have not already done so). PNCB may elect to hold its review of the issue until after the state board’s process has concluded. PNCB may also choose to dismiss a complaint. If the complaint is criminal in nature, PNCB may choose to hold its final review and determination until the appropriate agency concludes its process.
-
The individual being cited in the Complaint will be notified and given the opportunity to respond. Written responses are generally due within 30 days of notification.
-
Responses are reviewed and a determination is made to seek further information or submitted to the PNCB Executive Committee.
-
The PNCB Executive Committee will make a determination what, if any, action will be taken.
-
Disciplinary actions may range from private reprimand to loss of certification. All disciplinary actions will be shared with the nurse's state board of nursing, which is the regulatory authority for nursing practice.
-
An appeals process, which is outlined on the PNCB website, is available for any nurse certified by the PNCB who contests an adverse decision of the Board. The Executive Committee of the Board hears all written appeals.
For more information or assistance in filing a complaint, email service@pncb.org.
Complaints must be submitted on PNCB's Complaint Form (Word). Please email the Complaint Form and supporting documentation to:
service@pncb.org
Attention: Chief Operating Officer
Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
