The complaint process allows for an employer, other healthcare professionals, a patient, or any member of the general public to initiate a complaint of unprofessional conduct against an MLT. Reasons for making a complaint may include, but are not limited to, alleged incompetence, unskilled practice, negligence, a lack of integrity or diligence. A complaint may be made against an MLT currently registered with the College or an individual who is no longer registered but was registered within the last two years.

All complaints cannot be anonymous, must be in writing, signed by the person making the complaint (the complainant), and include:

• the name of the MLT which the complaint is regarding;
• specific reasons for the complaint including a detailed description of the events with applicable dates, times, and specific location(s) of the event;
• which standards of practice and/or code of ethics were violated; and
• any other information and documentation supporting the allegation(s).

If you would like to lodge a complaint against an MLT, please complete the Complaint Reporting Form and submit to the CMLTA.

Complaints Process

It is important to note that if the Complaints Director has reasonable grounds to believe that the conduct of an MLT or former MLT constitutes unprofessional conduct, they may investigate the situation and treat it as a complaint under the Health Professions Act.

Once a complaint has been received by the College, within 30 days, the Complaints Director will notify the complainant and may do one of the following:

• encourage the complainant and the MLT to communicate and resolve the complaint themselves
• with the consent of the complainant and the MLT, attempt to resolve the complaint
• dismiss the complaint, if they believe that the complaint is trivial or vexatious or if there is insufficient or no evidence of unprofessional conduct
• refer to an alternative complaint resolution process as laid out in legislation
• request an expert to assess and provide a written report on the subject-matter of the complaint
• conduct, or appoint an investigator to conduct, an investigation
• request an incapacity assessment for the physical and/or mental health of the MLT

If the Complaints Director dismisses the complaint, the complainant will be notified in writing by the Complaints Director within 30 days of the decision as well as appeal avenues.

If there is sufficient evidence of unprofessional conduct, the Complaints Director may:

• undertake a formal agreement and undertaking with the MLT if the allegations are agreed to by the MLT. This agreement binds the MLT to complete specific tasks or education and may include fines or cost recovery.
• refer the matter to a hearing. A hearing date is set within 90 days and all applicable parties notified.

Complaints cannot be anonymous and may be submitted by:

• email by completing the online Complaint Reporting Form or
• mail

Complaints Director
College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Alberta
301-9426 51 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB  T6E 5A6