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The College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta (CLHA) is responsible for managing complaints against Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Health Care Aides (HCAs) under the authority of the Health Professions Act (HPA).
Anyone can file a complaint with the CLHA’s complaints department if they have concerns about an LPN or HCA’s conduct. Please see Complaints Process for more information about the steps involved.
For employers and regulated health professionals including LPNs and HCAs, mandatory reporting is required.
After February 2, 2026, the CLHA will accept complaints about HCAs; however, the complaints should be about conduct/incidents that occur after regulation.
The CLHA may be able to accept complaints where the conduct occurred prior to February 2, 2026, such as complaints alleging serious patient abuse or other matters that could be of a criminal nature. Such complaints will be assessed on a case by case to determine CLHA’s jurisdiction before proceeding.
Employers have specific responsibilities under the Health Professions Act to report concerns about the conduct of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Health Care Aides (HCAs).
The following information and resources explain employers’ reporting obligations and how to submit a complaint to the CLHA.
Submit a Complaint
Employers can use the Complaint Form for Employers to submit a complaint to the CLHA.
Employer’s Duty to Report Unprofessional Conduct
Employers have a legal duty to report an LPN or HCA’s unprofessional conduct pursuant to Section 57(1) of the Health Professions Act:
“If, because of conduct that in the opinion of the employer is unprofessional conduct, the employment of a regulated member is terminated or suspended or the regulated member resigns, the employer must, as soon as reasonably possible, give notice of that conduct to the complaints director.”
Employer Reporting Responsibilities Guide
Learn what employers must report, what information to provide and what to expect during the complaints process.
Clients, patient representatives, co-workers, and other members of the public may submit their complaint using the Complaint Form for the Public.
1. Complete and submit the Complaint Form for the Public
OR
2. Submit a letter, which must:
- be in writing.
- indicate the LPN or HCA’s name.
- indicate the issue/reason for the complaint:
- the details of the event that led to the complaint (including “who, what, when, where, why, and how”);
- include date(s) (if known);
- the names of any persons involved (if known); and
- any other relevant information for the complaint.
- be signed and dated.
- include your contact information.
Anonymous complaints will not be accepted.
NOTE: The LPN or HCA will receive a copy of your complaint.
Please submit the completed form or signed letter to CLHA via mail, email, or fax to:
Complaints Director
College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta
St. Albert Trail Place
13163 146 Street
Edmonton AB T5L 4S8
Email the CLHA Complaints Department
Fax 780.484.9069
For more on the complaints process and how it applies in individual situations, contact Ask CLHA, or call 780-484-8886 or 1-800-661-5877 (toll free in Alberta).
A complaint is a written and signed submission alleging that an LPN or HCA engaged in unprofessional conduct. Unprofessional conduct is defined in the Health Professions Act(HPA). It includes conduct such as, but not limited to:
- A lack of knowledge, skill, or judgment when providing professional services;
- Contravention of the Health Professions Act, code of ethics, or standards of practice; or
- Conduct that harms the integrity of the profession.
To learn more, watch our educational video: What Is a Complaint?
Examples of complaints include, but are not limited to:
- Practice and competency concerns
- Client neglect/abuse (verbal, physical, emotional)
- Sexual abuse/sexual misconduct
- Abandonment of care
- Medication administration errors
- Client safety concerns
- Breach of privacy/confidentiality
- Theft/fraud/deceit
- Conflict of interest
- Boundary concerns – inappropriate relationship
- Co-worker harassment/bullying
The CLHA is responsible for managing the types of complaints described in the HPA. Our role is public protection and is separate from any employment or union processes that may take place.
Examples of complaints that are not within the CLHA’s jurisdiction include:
- employment or labour relations difficulties,
- organizational or societal issues,
- complaints about other regulated health care professionals (please contact that profession’s regulatory college),
- complaints about former members (over two years since registration cancelled), and
- complaints about a facility’s administrative processes.
Mandatory Reporting
LPNs and HCAs have a duty to report their own as well as any care providers unsafe practice, abusive behaviour, incapacity, or other unprofessional conduct.
To learn more, click the links below and watch our educational video: Mandatory Reporting.
HCAs and LPNs are responsible for reporting the following during the registration process and throughout the year as necessary:
- Whether they are under investigation, the subject of a proceeding, or have been disciplined by another regulatory or legislative body (i.e., Protection for Persons in Care).
- Whether they have been charged or have pleaded guilty or been found guilty of a criminal offence for which a pardon has not been granted.
- Whether they have any physical or mental condition or disorder that may impair the ability to provide safe, competent, and ethical care, and whether they are under medical care and following medical advice.
LPN Policy: Professional Responsibility and Accountability
HCA Policy: Professional Responsibility and Accountability
LPNs and HCAs have a duty to report unsafe practice, abusive behaviour, incapacity, or other unprofessional conduct that extends beyond your own personal practice. This would include reporting to the appropriate authority such as an employer, regulatory body, or external authority if unethical or incompetent care by another care provider is suspected.