The Professional Conduct Committee is composed of ten registered nurses and two public representatives appointed by the Minister of Health. The complainant may or may not have a role in the hearing, but the role would be limited to giving testimony as a witness. This means the complainant is only in the hearing room when giving testimony and would not hear other evidence that is presented. Other witnesses who have information will also be called. The nurse will also present a defense to the allegations.
All evidence is weighed by the panel, a decision is reached and an order is made.
The panel may order dismissal of the complaint, a reprimand of the nurse, a suspension or cancellation of the nurse's Certificate of Registration and various rehabilitative or remedial activities. The complainant is notified of the order of the Professional Conduct Committee after the hearing but has no right of appeal. The investigated nurse or the AARN has the right to appeal the decision of the Professional Conduct Committee to the Appeals Committee. This committee is comprised of five members of the governing body of the AARN, the Provincial Council, and includes one public member from council who has been appointed by the Minister of Health. Appeals of the decision of the Appeals Committee can be made to the Alberta Court of Appeals.