Wisconsin Nursing Complaint Route

Authority and scope

Check the professional and concern

The Board of Nursing regulates registered and licensed practical nurses and advanced practice nursing credentials. DSPS's current nursing page describes the September 1, 2026 conversion from advanced practice nurse prescriber credentials to advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licenses. Nurse aide and healthcare-facility matters are directed to the Department of Health Services.

Supporting guidance: Registered nursing and APRN credential update ↗Licensed practical nurse ↗DSPS complaint instructions ↗

Submission

How the official source says to file

Use the online complaint option linked by DSPS or its downloadable complaint form. Select the health-profession category and identify the person or entity involved.
Explain events with dates and locations; include witness contacts, relevant correspondence or records, and steps already taken. Send copies and preserve evidence.
For healthcare complaints, complete the patient authorization requested by the form; missing authorization can prevent investigation.
Mail the paper form and attachments to DSPS, Division of Legal Services and Compliance, P.O. Box 7190, Madison, WI 53707-7190.

Supporting guidance: DSPS complaint instructions ↗DSPS complaint form 102DLSC ↗

Limits

What this route may not provide

DSPS reviews sufficiently supported allegations that a credential holder violated professional law or standards. It cannot recover funds for a complainant. Matters outside its authority may be referred to the appropriate agency.

Supporting guidance: DSPS complaint instructions ↗Complaint FAQs ↗

Anonymity

Do not guess about confidentiality

Anonymous complaints are accepted, although lack of an identified witness can impair the case. DSPS does not guarantee confidentiality: its FAQ says the complainant's identity is ordinarily disclosed to the credential holder, and public-records rules can apply.

Supporting guidance: Complaint FAQs ↗

Complaint timing

Ask promptly; some cases take more than a year.

This guide does not establish a deadline for filing a nursing complaint. Ask the Board promptly about the rules that apply to your situation. The agency's processing estimates should not be read as a deadline for submitting an incident report.

Supporting guidance: DSPS complaint instructions ↗Complaint FAQs ↗

Process

What may happen after filing

The Division screens the allegation and investigates matters within DSPS authority that have adequate supporting information. Review may end in closure or disciplinary proceedings. Possible discipline includes reprimand, restrictions, suspension or revocation.

Supporting guidance: DSPS complaint instructions ↗Complaint FAQs ↗

Evidence

Prepare a reviewable submission

State the concern you want reviewed, then add a short chronology, best supporting records, factual consequences, and a specific request for review.

Read the linked authority and process information ↗