Anyone who works with a nurse, including employers, facility operators and health professionals, may need to file a report regarding the conduct, competence or health of a nurse. To find out when you must file a report, visit Reporting Guide: Who Must File a Report and When.

This information is not intended as legal advice. You are encouraged to seek legal advice and/or contact CNO if you have any questions about reporting.

Visit our other pages to learn about these topics:

If you are a member of the public and you want to make a complaint about a nurse's conduct, please follow the instructions for making a complaint.

How to file a report

If you have a concern about a nurse that needs to be reported

There are two options for filing a report:

  1. Use the online form to file your report. You will be able to upload supporting documentation with your report:
    File a Report online

  2. Use the MS Word form to file your report. You will need to complete the MS Word form, save it as a PDF and upload it along with any supporting documentation you want to include:
    File a report using MS Word

If you have a concern about a nurse, but are not sure if you should report it

Visit Reporting Guide: Who Must File a Report and When

What you need to include in your report

When you complete the reporting form, you need to include details of the incident(s). Ask yourself:

  • What happened?
  • When and where did the incident(s) occur?
  • Who was involved in the incident(s)?
  • When was the incident(s) discovered or identified?
  • How was the incident(s) discovered or identified?
  • Who has direct knowledge of the incident(s)?

You will also need:

  • the address of the facility where the incident(s) occurred
  • contact information for the person who reported the incident(s) and the nurse involved
  • the name and employment information of the nurse who is the subject of the report (if you know it)

CNO will call the contact person listed on the form once we receive the report, to request additional information or documents. This may include the letter of termination, if the nurse’s employment was terminated as a result of the incident(s).