Who may the Complaints Director appoint to gather information regarding a complaint?

The Complaints Director has the authority to appoint a qualified, unbiased licensed practical nurse (LPN) or an independent investigator to gather information regarding a complaint. This choice is based on the need for impartiality and professionalism during the investigation process. An unbiased individual ensures that the investigation is fair and devoid of any conflicts of interest, which is crucial in upholding the integrity of the complaints process.

Using qualified LPNs or independent investigators allows for the collection of relevant data regarding the complaint while ensuring that the individuals involved have the necessary expertise and understanding of nursing practice standards. This helps to achieve a comprehensive and objective assessment of the situations being investigated, supporting the fair resolution of complaints.

Other options mentioned would not guarantee the same level of impartiality and expertise needed in this sensitive process. For instance, appointing any licensed nurse or a colleague of the regulated member could lead to potential biases or conflicts of interest, which could compromise the validity of the information collected. While a lawyer knowledgeable in health law can provide valuable legal perspective, they may lack the specialized knowledge of LPN practice that an LPN or independent investigator brings, making them less suitable for this particular role.