118Functions and powers of the Commissioner

118 Functions and powers of the Commissioner

(1) The Commissioner has the following functions—

(a) to assist in the formulation of complaints;

(b) to receive complaints;

(c) to determine how complaints should be dealt with in accordance with this Act;

(d) to deal with complaints in accordance with this Act;

(e) to conduct investigations under Part 4, complaint data reviews and inquiries in accordance with this Act;

(f) to publish complaint handling standards;

(g) to provide information and education to health service providers about their responsibilities in handling complaints;

(h) to provide information and education to the public regarding the health service principles, the complaint handling standards, the complaints process and the responsibilities of health service providers;

(i) to provide information to the public about the measures the Commissioner may take to protect the public from any risks posed by a health service;

(j) to provide advice to the Minister on or in relation to any code of conduct;

(k) to conduct and support research in respect of complaint handling and matters relevant to the improvement of the quality of health service systems;

S. 118(1)(l) amended by Nos 4/2022 s. 28, 41/2025 s. 3(Sch. 1 item 21).

(l) to report any findings to the Secretary relevant to the delivery of a health service identified as a result of the analysis of, investigation of or dealing with complaints about the health service or the conduct of an inquiry or complaint data review under this Act, including findings relating to the compliance of the health service provider with the duty of candour under Part 5A of the Health Services Act 1988;

(m) any other function conferred on the Commissioner by this or any other Act.

(2) The Commissioner has all the powers that are necessary or convenient to perform his or her functions under this or any other Act.