Our data

Complaints resolution timelines

The College responds to concerns and investigates complaints about the care people receive from Nova Scotian physicians, physician assistants, and podiatrists. We have a responsibility to support safe practice and patient safety by responding to concerns when a complaint is filed.

The College’s authority regarding what it can investigate and how it can investigate complaints is legislated by the Medical Act. To learn more about what we can and cannot investigate, please review the information provided in filing a complaint.

Timelines to resolve a complaint can be impacted by such factors as:

obtaining an expert opinion
conducting a practice or capacity assessment
adjudicating complex files involving multiple physicians

Timelines as of December 31, 2025

130 days

median time to resolve complaints following a preliminary review and investigation

611 days

median time to resolve complaints after referral to Investigation Committee

In rare cases, the investigation may result in a referral of your complaint to a Hearing Committee, which results in a process similar to a trial, with sworn evidence and legal submissions. This process can take up to 24 months or longer.

The College acknowledges that we are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship. We also acknowledge that people of African descent have been in Nova Scotia for over 400 years, and we honour and offer gratitude to those ancestors.