Handling Nursing Care Errors in Germany: Responsible Authorities and Legal Procedures

In Germany, dealing with nursing care errors (Pflegefehler) is a sensitive matter governed by a strict legal and regulatory framework designed to protect patients and ensure quality of care. Responsibility for investigating such cases is shared among several bodies, depending on the type of error and where it occurred.

Authorities responsible for investigating nursing care errors

Public Prosecutor’s Office (Staatsanwaltschaft)
It investigates cases where serious negligence is suspected or where an error resulted in physical harm or death. A criminal investigation may be opened following a report by the affected person or relatives, or based on findings reported by oversight bodies.

Medical Chambers (Ärztekammern)
They handle complaints related to professional misconduct within medical practice, including nursing staff. They assess whether professional and ethical standards were followed and may issue recommendations or initiate disciplinary measures.

Nursing Home and Care Facility Supervisory Authority (Heimaufsicht)
It supervises care institutions such as nursing homes and other care facilities, conducts regular inspections, and investigates complaints concerning care quality or living conditions.

Medical Service (Medizinischer Dienst – MD)
The Medical Service evaluates the quality of nursing services and checks compliance with standards. It can also play a role in resolving disputes between patients and care providers.

How to file a complaint
Step one: Contact the management of the relevant healthcare facility to attempt an internal resolution.
Step two: If no solution is reached, submit a written complaint to the competent authority, such as the Ärztekammer or the Heimaufsicht.
Step three: If the error is serious and caused major harm, it is advisable to file an official report with the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

What happens after submitting a complaint
Once a complaint is filed, an investigation may include document review, witness statements, and possibly an independent medical assessment. Depending on the findings, professional disciplinary action may follow or a legal case may be pursued.

Important notes

• Complaints are handled with strict confidentiality to protect privacy.

• Investigation timelines vary depending on case complexity.

• Seeking legal advice from a lawyer specialized in care law or medical law is recommended.

The editorial team strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and review of multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some details may be unconfirmed. Please treat this as initial guidance and consult the competent authorities for verified information.