How to File a Complaint

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry and Professional and Occupational Licensing Boards are charged with taking appropriate action for unprofessional, incompetent, or unlawful practice. Please see the Online License Complaint Form link below to file a complaint electronically and securely.

Helpful Resources

Frequently Asked Questions for Complainants

These FAQs explain the complaint process for people who are thinking about filing a complaint, or who have already filed one.

Important: These FAQs provide general information only. They are not legal advice. Montana law and administrative rules control if there is any difference between these FAQs and the law.

Before You File

  • Boards and programs in the Montana Department of Labor and Industry help regulate licensed professions and occupations in Montana. They review complaints and, when allowed by law, take action against licensees, applicants, or unlicensed persons.

  • You may file a complaint about:

    • a person who holds a license,
    • a person applying for a license, or
    • a person who may be working without a license when a license is required.

  • You may report conduct that may violate the laws or rules for a licensed profession or occupation. For many boards, general unprofessional conduct standards are found in § 37-1-316, MCA. For programs, general unprofessional conduct standards are found in § 37-1-410, MCA. Profession-specific laws and rules may also apply.

  • Yes. It may help to review:

    • the profession’s practice standards,
    • the profession’s scope of practice,
    • any profession-specific rules, and
    • the general unprofessional conduct laws in § 37-1-316, MCA and § 37-1-410, MCA, if applicable.
    However, as someone wishing to file a complaint, you are not expected to know the law. If you have a concern, you can file a complaint.

  • You may still file a complaint if you believe a licensed person, applicant, or unlicensed person may have violated licensing laws or rules. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry will review the complaint to decide whether it has authority to handle the matter.

  • Not every disagreement or bad experience is a licensing violation. A board or program may not be able to act unless the facts show a possible violation of licensing laws or rules. If your concern is mainly about money, a contract dispute, or customer service, another agency or a private attorney may be better able to help.

  • A board or program cannot award money damages, order a refund, or settle a private dispute. The complaint process is about licensing enforcement, not compensation.

  • Yes, in some cases. But the Montana Department of Labor and Industry may still need information directly from the person who witnessed the events or was affected by them.

  • You may still submit a complaint. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry will review whether it has authority over the conduct or person involved.

Filing a Complaint

Confidentiality and Participation

  • Usually no. If your statement is important to proving what happened, you may be asked to testify later. In addition, some boards prohibit taking anonymous complaints, which may result in dismissal of your complaint without further consideration.

  • If you know about a serious risk of harm and are concerned about being identified, contact the Montana Department of Labor and Industry at (406) 841-2312.

  • Yes. The complaint is provided to the person named in the complaint so that person can respond.

  • During the review and investigation, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry protects the complaint and related documents from public release as allowed by law. But, the complaint will be provided to the person named in the complaint.

  • No. Dismissed complaints generally remain confidential unless a court orders release.

  • Yes. Final disciplinary orders are public and may be available through Licensee Lookup.

  • No. The person who files the complaint is not a party to the disciplinary case.

  • Maybe. You may be asked to:

    • provide more information,
    • clarify your complaint, or
    • testify at a hearing or other proceeding.

    Please keep your contact information up to date.

  • You may notify the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) that you no longer wish to pursue your complaint. However, DLI may still review or continue investigating the matter if the information raises concerns about a licensee’s conduct or compliance with licensing laws and rules.

What Happens Next

Special Situations and Other Resources