CNNB / CIINB Nursing Complaints in New Brunswick: What Registrants Should Know
The College of Nursing of New Brunswick (CNNB), formerly NANB, regulates Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners in New Brunswick under the Nurses Act, 1984. New Brunswick is officially bilingual: CNNB operates in English and French, and hearings may be conducted in either official language. A new Nursing Act was passed in October 2025 and will modernize the complaint and discipline framework when it is proclaimed in force.
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Regulator
College of Nursing of New Brunswick / Collège des infirmières et infirmiers du Nouveau-Brunswick
cnnb-opinb.caGoverning statute
Nurses Act, SNB 1984, c. 71 (a new Nursing Act was passed on October 31, 2025; proclamation pending)
First-stage committee
Complaints Committee
Registrant response window
Set by the Complaints Committee in writing (no fixed statutory number)
Mailing address
165 Regent Street Fredericton, NB E3B 7B4
1-800-442-4417
Understanding the CNNB / CIINB complaints process
New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province, and CNNB reflects that constitutional reality at every level of its complaints process. The College operates fully in English and French, publishes its rules of procedure in both languages, and conducts hearings in whichever official language the registrant elects. That bilingual capacity is more than a courtesy; it determines what evidence, charting, and witness testimony are recorded in.
The current Nurses Act dates to 1984. A new Nursing Act was passed on October 31, 2025 and will modernize the complaints and discipline framework once proclaimed in force. The new Act is expected to align New Brunswick more closely with the Atlantic Canada nursing colleges, formalize a fitness-to-practise stream, and clarify the College's powers to accept undertakings. Until proclamation, the 1984 Act and CNNB's current bylaws continue to govern.
Under the current framework, the Complaints Committee decides matters on the written record. Neither party appears in person at the Complaints Committee stage. That makes the quality of your written response the central factor at intake. Matters that the Committee believes warrant a formal hearing are referred to the Discipline Committee (for conduct issues) or the Fitness to Practice Committee (for health and capacity concerns).
You may file your written response in either official language. Choose the language in which you can be most precise; clarity matters more than language preference. Notify CNPS or your insurer as soon as you receive the complaint, and watch CNNB's notices for proclamation updates on the new Nursing Act, which will affect timelines and procedure.
What's distinctive about the CNNB / CIINB complaints process
- CNNB operates bilingually and maintains bilingual rules of procedure.
- The Complaints Committee reviews written materials only; neither party appears at the initial stage.
- Serious matters are referred to either the Discipline Committee (conduct) or the Fitness to Practice Committee (health and capacity).
- A modernizing Nursing Act passed October 31, 2025 will reshape the process once proclaimed.
What triggers complaints against nurses in New Brunswick
Administrative concerns
- •Practising with an expired or lapsed registration
- •Failing to complete required continuing competence or quality assurance activities
- •Not reporting a change of name, address, or employer within the required timeframe
- •Failing to disclose a finding, charge, or condition on renewal
Conduct or practice concerns
- •Medication administration concerns or documentation errors
- •Professional boundary or therapeutic relationship concerns
- •Substance use or fitness-to-practise concerns
- •Scope of practice questions and delegation issues
- •Communication concerns raised by a patient, family member, or colleague
- •Confidentiality or privacy breaches under PIPEDA or provincial health-information law
How a CNNB / CIINB complaint typically moves
- 1
Complaint received and acknowledged
The College receives the written complaint, assigns a file number, and sends a written acknowledgement to both the complainant and the registrant.
- 2
Notice to the registrant
You are sent a copy of the complaint and supporting materials, and invited to provide a written response. The College's professional conduct staff is typically your point of contact.
- 3
Investigation
An investigator gathers records (charting, schedules, employer policies), interviews witnesses, and asks you targeted questions. You have a duty to cooperate, but you may have counsel and you may decline to admit fault.
- 4
Written response from the registrant
You submit a written response addressing the allegations point by point, with supporting documentation. This is usually the most important document in the file.
- 5
Review by the Complaints Committee
The Complaints Committee reviews the investigation file and your response. It can dismiss the matter, issue advice or a caution, accept an undertaking, or refer the matter forward.
- 6
Possible referral to the Discipline Committee / Fitness to Practice Committee
Serious matters or unresolved factual disputes may be referred to the Discipline Committee / Fitness to Practice Committee for a formal hearing on the merits.
Possible outcomes
No further action or dismissal
The committee determines the complaint is unfounded, outside its jurisdiction, or does not warrant further action. The file is closed.
Advice, caution, or reminder
A non-disciplinary measure intended to help you reflect on practice. It is typically recorded on your College file but not on the public register.
Undertaking or remedial agreement
A voluntary written agreement to take specific steps, such as additional coursework, a practice review, or a period of supervised practice.
Referral to discipline or formal hearing
A formal, hearing-style proceeding before a panel that can issue findings of professional misconduct or incompetence and impose conditions, suspension, or revocation.
Suspension or revocation of registration
Reserved for the most serious findings. These outcomes are published on the College's public register.
Practical tips for nurses in New Brunswick
- You may file your response in English or French. Choose the language in which you can be most precise.
- Because the Complaints Committee decides on the written record, your submission needs to do all the persuasion for you.
- Watch CNNB notices for proclamation of the new Nursing Act, which will introduce updated procedures.
- Notify CNPS or your insurer as soon as you receive notice; legal review of bilingual filings can take longer.
Explore More Licensing Guidance
If you're navigating a licensing board complaint or investigation, these resources may help:
Frequently asked questions
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support@boardwise.onlineThis guide is general educational information for Canadian Registered Nurses and is not legal advice. Always confirm current policy on the CNNB / CIINB website and consider engaging the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS), your private liability insurer, or a Canadian lawyer experienced in professional regulation before responding to the College.