What is the first step if a registration authority receives a complaint about the conduct of a health professional?

When a registration authority receives a complaint about the conduct of a health professional, the correct first step is to forward the complaint to the Health and Disability Commissioner's Office. This office is responsible for overseeing the conduct of health practitioners and ensuring they adhere to the standards of practice and ethics expected in the healthcare field. By directing the complaint to the Health and Disability Commissioner, the registration authority ensures that the matter is handled by an appropriate oversight body with the authority and resources to investigate and address the concerns raised. This process not only helps maintain professional accountability but also ensures that patients' rights and safety are prioritized.

Other options, while they may represent potential steps in a different context, do not align with the procedural requirements established for handling complaints in the healthcare system. Ignoring a complaint undermines the integrity of the review process, addressing the complaint immediately by the council could compromise thorough investigation practices, and resolving the complaint internally may bypass essential external oversight required by law. Hence, forwarding to the Health and Disability Commissioner is the correct initial action.