Identity protection orders
When you submit a complaint about a licensee or provide information as part of a complaint, your identity is disclosed to the licensee. This helps the licensee learn what concerns were raised and to share their side of the story. CPSBC does not share your name with anyone except with the parties involved.
Request an identity protection order
You may request to have your identity protected from others involved in the complaints process. You must complete an identity protection order request.
If you are making a complaint on behalf of someone else, you may submit an IPO request for your identity to be protected. The patient or affected person may also submit an IPO request.
It is recommended that you apply for an IPO as early as possible, such as when you submit your complaint. If a request is received later in the process, the licensee may have already been informed of the complaint and your identity.
An IPO will only be granted in certain circumstances. This is because licensees generally need to know who is involved in a complaint to respond to the concerns.
How does CPSBC decide on the IPO?
CPSBC will review the IPO and decide whether to grant the request. You will be informed of the decision in writing (by mail or email).
If an order is granted, it may either fully or partially protect the applicant’s identity.
In cases where a decision is made to partially protect a person’s identity, you will be informed about:
- What might be disclosed
- Who it might be disclosed to
- What limits might apply to the disclosure
- How the investigation may be conducted
CPSBC will consider the nature of the concerns raised and whether it is possible to investigate the complaint if a person’s identity is withheld. We typically must disclose your name to the licensee who is being investigated so that they have an opportunity to understand the concerns raised about them and provide a full response.
What happens if my IPO is refused?
Apply for a termination order
If you are the patient or person who made a complaint, you may apply for a termination order if your identity will not be protected or only partially protected. This order will end the investigation and your identity will not be disclosed.
A termination order application must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the decision on your IPO. CPSBC will not investigate your concerns until you have had an opportunity to consider the decision.
Apply for a reconsideration
You may apply to have the decision reconsidered if you do not wish to terminate the investigation. A reconsideration request must be submitted within 30 days of receiving the decision on your IPO.
What happens next?
We will provide you a written notice of the next steps.
If we do not hear from you within 30 days of providing our decision
- Unless a Full IPO is granted, we will assume that you do not want to proceed with the investigation and request that the investigation be terminated.
If we receive an application for a termination order
- We will provide you with the decision on the termination order.
If we receive an application for reconsideration
- We will provide you with the decision on the reconsideration and the final decision on your application for an IPO.