Bureau of Health Professions Licensure

The Massachusetts Bureau of Health Professions Licensure (“HPL”) investigates complaints and concerns regarding licensed professionals (“licensees”) on behalf of the Boards of Registration that license: Registered Nurses; Licensed Practical Nurses; Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists; Certified Nurse Midwives; Certified Nurse Practitioners; Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialists; Clinical Nurse Specialists; Dentists; Dental Hygienists and Assistants; Pharmacists, Pharmacy Interns and Technicians; Nursing Home Administrators; Physician Assistants; Respiratory Therapists; Perfusionists; and Genetic Counselors.

When a new complaint is filed against a licensee, HPL staff will conduct an initial assessment of the allegations to determine if there is any potential violation of the law, and if the complaint falls within the purview of applicable Board’s jurisdiction. If it is determined that an investigation is warranted, an Investigator will be assigned to the matter, and the licensee will be asked to prepare a written response to the complaint. The Investigator will also request the production of certain documents, and may seek to interview the licensee and other appropriate individuals. Ultimately, the Investigator will report his/her findings to the Board, which will decide to either close the complaint or recommend that the licensee be disciplined. At that point in time, the licensee may choose to resolve the case and accept a negotiated discipline, or instead opt for a full administrative hearing.