Complaints & Investigations

One of our most important responsibilities is to respond to concerns and investigate complaints about healthcare professionals regulated by the College. We regulate the following professions:

• physicians and surgeons;
• physician assistants; and
• podiatrists.

We have a responsibility to support safe practice and patient safety by responding to concerns raised when a complaint is filed. The College’s complaint process is legislated by the Medical Act.

Complaints Resolutions 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 raised 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 you 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

As of September 30, 2025, the median time to resolve a complaint is as follows:

• complaints resolved following a preliminary review and investigation: 133 days  
• complaints resolved after referral to Investigation Committee: 705 days
• complaints referred to a Hearing occur infrequently, although this process can take up to 24 months and in rare instances can extend beyond this average