Making anoymous complaint

Tait, MSN, RN · May 10, 2013

I haven't done so but I know my previous employer had compliance hotlines you could call and anonymously report on.

I haven't read this yet, and it is a little old (2000), but it is from the OIG on compliance.

http://oig.hhs.gov/authorities/docs/cpgnf.pdf

elkpark · May 10, 2013

I've never done so (although I've been sorely tempted a few times ...), but I worked for several years as a hospital surveyor for my state and CMS. We took and investigated complaints against healthcare facilities as a large part of our job, anonymous or not, and, even when we knew who had made the complaint, we did not disclose that to the facility when we investigated. However, I always cautioned individuals I spoke to (when someone called in (or mailed) a complaint to the general complaint office, someone from the specific team that was going to be doing the actual investigation would contact that individual for further information) that, even thought the facility wasn't going to hear it from us, it wasn't uncommon for facilities/employers to figure out on their own who had made the complaint, and I know of individuals who got fired because they complained to the state about their employers. If you're going to formally complain to the state about your employer, IMO (and experience), you need to be prepared to face the (strong) possibility that you're going to end up fired as a result. The employer won't say you were fired because of that, but you'll still be out of a job (and, obviously, won't be getting a good reference from that employer at any point in the future).

It's a tough decision to make. I saw a number of good nurses "fall on their swords," sacrifice their own jobs because they felt strongly about something dangerous going on at their place of employment. I hope I would have the courage to do the same thing if I were ever in the same situation. Best wishes.

I was in a situation many years ago where a number of us nurses on a particular psychiatric unit didn't complain to the state licensing agency, but we did contact the BON for guidance about what our responsibilities were in what we considered a bad situation. The BON staff were v. esponsive and helpful to us. That is another option and resource for you.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · May 10, 2013

Before you do it, you should be prepared to move on to another job. Your employer will do everything possible to find out who you are, and you may not lose your job this year, but there will be a huge target on your back. If you think that by pointing it out they will realize their mistakes and thank you for saving lives...it just doesn't happen that way.

A better choice is to do a literature review, contact your board for information, and when you get all your ducks in a row ask to meet with your manager to state your case. If your manager blows you off, let them know that you will write a letter to the CNO (or whoever heads nursing) for your own professional protection. Written communication forces them to pay attention, and put their instructions in writing.

Remember that when you get a little higher in the food chain the patients are just production units and dollar signs. It will help you understand some of the responses you're going to get. If you can show them a financial benefit with the patient care benefits, you'll get a much better response.

amoLucia · May 10, 2013

Comments by elkpark & canoehead are sadly true. Maintaining confidentiality and anonymity when serious allegations/accusations are made will be difficult to preserve.

There are protective 'Whistleblower Laws" out there, but again, you'd have a lot to go thru.

I really can't guess which route would be the most safe - going to an outside agency or staying within your current network. Pros and cons all the way around.

Good luck with whatever choice you make.

lmccrn62, MSN, RN · May 10, 2013

I made at least 20 different complaints over a year through the corporate compliance line. What was done.....absolutely nothing. I realized at that point nothing will change so I left. I did what I thought was right. I have no regrets but feel bad for the patients left behind.

4_Sq · May 10, 2013

What about seeking advise from your professional nurse's association, especially if your safe practise is jeopardized

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · May 10, 2013

These are serious accusations. If you are a union facility, get help through your union.

There are omsbudsmen in every facility, seek help through them.

If the facility is that unsafe that it allegedly resulted in a death, I am not sure I would want to work there, so if I were you I would look for alternate employment.

There are state licensing agencies, elder services, and depending on the facility, specialized groups (ie: devlepmentally delayed/mental disability). Elder abuse hotlines.

Be mindful of your license. If the circumstances are that dire for the patients, you do not want to jepordize your license because you knew and didn't report.

leslie :-D · May 11, 2013

yes i did and yes i was eventually terminated and yes it took its emotional and financial toll on me.

but i felt compelled to stand behind my truth and even though i would never want to do it again, i probably would...

because that is who i am.

you find out who will stand behind you, you find out who your true friends are, and you get to see others true colors.

lots of betrayal, lots of backstabbing, lots and lots of lies.

but i did it because it was the right thing to do.

be prepared for the worst and don't lose sight of why you are doing this.

i wish you the very best, and thank you.

leslie

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · May 12, 2013

I wish you the best of luck. It's a hard choice to make. Make sure you think long and hard about this.