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Colorado DPO File a Complaint

Filing a Complaint

There are two ways to file a complaint with the Division. Either Online using our Online Services system, or via hard copy by downloading the appropriate complaint form, completing it and then mailing it to the Division. With both options, it is important to ensure you include as much information as possible and include any supporting documentation to ensure the Division can fully review your complaint.

If you choose to file a paper complaint, mail your completed form and additional documentation to:

Department of Regulatory Agencies
Division of Professions and Occupations
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202

Although anonymous complaints are accepted, we encourage you to provide your contact information to help us thoroughly address the complaint. If we don't have enough information, the board or program may dismiss your complaint if they are unable to contact you for additional information, if needed.

If you have a complaint about your insurance (payment of claims, denials, customer service, etc.) please submit a complaint to the Division of Insurance. 

Complaint Against Your License Q&A

Q and A About Complaints Against a License

Consumer Filed Complaint Q&A

Q and A For Individuals Who Have Filed a Complaint

Complaint FAQ's

Information about the When and What of the Complaint Process

Q: When is it appropriate to file a complaint with the Division of Professions and Occupations?

A: If you believe that a professional has violated the law or any Board/Program regulations, you may file a complaint against the licensee or individual with the appropriate Board or Program.

Q: What happens when I file a Complaint?

A: The complaint will be reviewed to determine whether a violation of a law or regulation may have occurred.

  • If the complaint indicates a probable violation, the complaint will be processed.
  • The complaint may be resolved by the Board or Program or investigated further, which may include a referral to the Office of Investigations.
  • The individual you filed the complaint against will typically be provided with a copy of the complaint and all other documentation you submitted. All information provided by the complainant will be disclosed to the respondent.
  • Examples of documentation include a police report, medical records, witness information, personal statements, billing, X Rays, second opinions, pictures, news articles, etc.

Q: What does "Complainant" and "Respondent" mean?

A: Complainants and Respondents are participants within a complaint:

  • The Complainant is the person who submits a complaint either on your own behalf or for another person. If you submit a complaint in our system, you are the complainant.
  • The Respondent is the person or business the complaint is against. This would either be the licensee or the unlicensed person or business.

Q: What limitations in regulatory authority exist related to complaints?

A: The Division’s Boards and Programs operate under administrative law and are not legally authorized to proceed with a criminal case or a private civil suit. Their mission is to take licensure related measures to protect the public with respect to licensed professionals. The Division’s Boards and Programs are legally authorized to seek remedies related to the license status of the licensee only when legal grounds exist for such action.

This means:

  • The Division’s Boards and Programs are not legally authorized to impose civil remedies, such as monetary damages to compensate complainants, or to resolve fee disputes, which are civil matters.
  • The Division’s Boards and Programs are not legally authorized to impose criminal penalties, such as jail sentences or criminal probation.
  • The act of filing a complaint does not assure or imply that disciplinary action will be taken against the licensee.
  • Filing a complaint with the Division does not preclude you from filing a separate legal action. If you believe your allegations may constitute a criminal violation, please contact your local law enforcement agency regarding the procedure to file a criminal complaint. If you wish to pursue civil remedies, please consult a private attorney for guidance.

Information about How to File Complaints and What is Needed

Q: How do I know if my complaint has been submitted and accepted?

A: The initial intake process may take up to 10 days and you may not receive confirmation of receipt during that time. Once the complaint is posted, you will receive an acknowledgment letter with a case number for reference. 

Q: What is necessary to include when I file a complaint online?

A: The Boards and Programs request that any underlying documentation to support the allegations are included with the complaint. Adding information at a later date can result in delays. If you are filing a complaint for another individual. you should include a Power of Attorney form submission to avoid delays.

Q: When will the Board or Program review my case?

A: If the complaint is accepted by the Board or Program, it may be scheduled to be reviewed at a Board meeting. Board meetings may take place on a monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly basis. It is dependent on which board the complaint is with. All public meetings are noticed on Board calendar available on each Board/Program homepage.

Q: Can I withdraw a complaint?

A: A complaint once it has been filed cannot be withdrawn and your case will proceed until its conclusion.

Information about Dismissed Complaints

Q: Why would a complaint be dismissed?

A: There are a few reasons why a complaint may be dismissed. Some reasons are listed below:

  • There is no jurisdiction, meaning the complaint may be outside of the powers of the Board/Program, as defined by the legislature. Non-jurisdictional complaints could include facilities not regulated by this Division, social media posts unrelated to licensed practice, many billing issues, co-worker disputes, and contractual issues for work performed.
  • There is not enough information in the complaint to investigate whether a violation of a professional practice act, law, or regulation occurred.

Q: How will I know if my complaint is dismissed?

A: You will receive a letter notifying you of the dismissal. Colorado law does not permit Boards/Programs to release information regarding complaints where it has been determined that no public disciplinary action is warranted.

Information about the Complaint Process

Q: Will I be able to receive updates on my case from the affected Board/Program?

A: Additional case information is only available once the case has been closed. No information may be provided on where a case stands during the settlement process. Board staff’s role is limited to preparing information for Board review. Staff does not vote or determine disposition of cases.

Q: If the Board or Program finds a violation has occurred, what happens next?

A: If the Board or Program finds a violation occurred, the following may happen: 

  • Issue a Letter of Admonition (a public reprimand in the form of a written letter).
  • Refer it to the Office of Expedited Settlement.
  • Put the individual on probation.
  • Require the individual to participate in continuing education.
  • Issue a fine.
  • Suspend a license.
  • Revoke a license.
  • Hold it while more information is gathered by staff for later presentation or to wait the outcome of criminal or civil litigation.
  • Refer it directly to the Attorney General, who acts as the Board/Program lawyer, so legal action can be taken, or
    Enforce other disciplinary actions.