I have heard nurses in the tearoom talking about a vexatious complaint. What is a vexatious complaint and what should I do if I am facing a vexatious complaint?

A vexatious complaint is one that is baseless, intended to harass, distress or intimidate an individual or organisation and is often not made in good faith.  AHPRA and the NMBA are aware of and have a framework regarding vexatious complaints. This includes consequences for practitioners who make vexatious complaints as this may constitute unsatisfactory professional conduct.

Signs that a complaint is vexatious include allegations that are clearly unfounded, lack evidence, or are motivated by personal grievances rather than legitimate concerns about professional conduct. If a complaint is made repeatedly without new evidence or has been previously investigated
and dismissed, it may be considered vexatious.

If you believe you are the subject of a vexatious complaint, please contact the NSWNMA as soon as possible so that we can provide advice and representation.

For further reading and links to the AHPRA framework – Click here