Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), Division of Legal Services and Compliance; relevant examining boards

How the official source says to file

• Use the current online complaint method at the top of DSPS’s complaint page and select the appropriate health profession. If unable to use it, follow the paper complaint instructions and mail to DSPS, PO Box 7190, Madison, WI 53707-7190.
• Prepare the clinician’s name, credential, patient information, dates, locations, specific allegations, witnesses and other related proceedings. Attach relevant copies and retain your originals. Sign and date the paper complaint.
• Read the separate Authorization for Release of Health Care Records before signing. It includes records from any origin, psychiatric/mental-health, substance-use and HIV information, and discussion of those records. A legally authorized representative must state the capacity in which they sign; without authorization DSPS may be unable to investigate.

Supporting guidance: DSPS complaint instructions ↗DSPS complaint form ↗Authorization for health-care records ↗

What this route may not provide

DSPS may investigate and discipline credentials but does not recover money for complainants. Facility complaints may instead belong with Health Services. Use the medical and nursing guides for psychiatrists and psychiatric advanced-practice nurses. A private coaching certificate alone does not establish DSPS licensure.

Supporting guidance: Complaint FAQs ↗DSPS complaint instructions ↗

Do not guess about confidentiality

Anonymous complaints are accepted but can limit investigation. DSPS warns that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed under open-records law and generally identifies the complainant to the subject. The health-record authorization also allows legally permitted redisclosure, including in proceedings; information may lose its original protections.

Supporting guidance: Complaint FAQs ↗Authorization for health-care records ↗

Ask promptly; the 18-month goal concerns processing

A filing deadline was not established by this check. DSPS’s FAQ describes a goal of finishing within 18 months, and its complaint page warns cases can take more than a year. Neither is an incident-to-filing deadline.

Supporting guidance: DSPS complaint instructions ↗Complaint FAQs ↗

What may happen after filing

The enforcement division reviews complaints within DSPS and board jurisdiction and determines appropriate investigation or further action. Licensing discipline is separate from obtaining personal compensation. Keep contact details current so investigators can request clarification.

Supporting guidance: DSPS complaint instructions ↗Complaint FAQs ↗

Prepare a reviewable submission

State the concern you want reviewed, give a short chronology and factual consequences, and explain your request. Keep supporting records and follow the receiving authority’s instructions before attaching or sending them.