Revised Laws of Saint Lucia (2022)

106.   Complaints procedure

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    (1)   A complaint under this Part shall—

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      (a)     be made in writing;

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      (b)     contain particulars of the matter complained of;

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      (c)     identify the health practitioner against whom the complaint is being made;

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      (d)     identify the complainant;

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      (e)     contain a statement that the complainant consents to a copy of the complaint or particulars of the complaint being given to the health practitioner; and

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      (f)     be lodged with the Commission.

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    (2)   The Commission shall ensure that a person who wishes to make a complaint in respect of a health practitioner is given reasonable assistance to enable the person to make a complaint in accordance with this section.

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    (3)   On receiving or initiating a complaint, the Commission shall deal with the complaint in accordance with the Health Services Complaints and Conciliation Act and may in accordance with that Act refer the matter to the relevant Council for determination.

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    (4)   On receiving a complaint under subsection (1) or on initiating a complaint of its own motion the relevant Council shall—

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      (a)     record the date on which the complaint was received or initiated; and

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      (b)     within 30 days of receipt or initiation of the complaint, determine whether to accept or reject the complaint.

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    (5)   The relevant Council may require the complainant to provide further particulars of a complaint.

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    (6)   The rules of procedural fairness shall be observed in determining a complaint under this Part.