Complaints Committee

NBSMLT Complaints Committee
Terms of Reference

PURPOSE:

The Complaints Committee shall be responsible for investigating written complaints or allegations regarding the conduct, actions, competence, character, fitness, health or ability of a member or former member.

ORGANIZATION:

• The Complaints Committee is a Standing Committee (bylaw 11.02).

• The Committee is composed of 7 members (bylaw 13.01):

5 Medical Lab Technologists (1 a past Board member and 2 are bilingual)
2 persons who are not Society members (1 must be bilingual)

• No Committee member shall be a director of the Society or a member of the Discipline Committee {Act 24(4)}.

• The Board shall appoint one of the Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) Committee members to be Committee Chairperson for a two-year term.

• The Board appoints other members of the committee for a term of two years, from a list of persons nominated by the Academies of the Society, ensuring that no more than fifty percent of the Committee is replaced in any given year (bylaw 13.02).

THE CHAIRPERSON SHALL:

• Name a Vice-Chairperson from among the other MLT members of the Complaints Committee. In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall preside.

• Appoint a panel of three Committee members upon receipt of a written complaint from the Registrar. Each panel shall consist of the Chairperson or the Vice-Chairperson, one MLT and one person who is not a member of the Society (bylaw 13.03). Each panel of the Committee shall constitute a quorum and shall act for, carry out and exercise all duties and powers of the Committee.

• Cause the Registrar to begin proceedings according to bylaw 13.03.

• Cause a meeting of the panel to consider and investigate the complaint.

• Conduct Committee meetings as per “Meetings” in the bylaws and rules.

• Ensure confidentiality of matters of the committee.

• Keep the Board informed of proceedings.

• Send copies of all documentation to the Board for approval.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS SHALL:

• Be familiar with the Act parts V, VI and VII and bylaws article 13.

• Maintain confidentiality.

• Engage any person necessary, including legal council to assist in consideration and investigation of complaints.

• Determine whether a complaint warrants further consideration, after reviewing all the evidence presented.

• At the conclusion of the investigation, dismiss the complaint OR refer the complaint to the Discipline Committee.

• Forward a written report of the determination as per bylaw 13.04.

Approved March 13, 2002
Revised March 12, 2005