New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules
He - Department of Health and Human Services
Subtitle He-P - Former Division of Public Health Services
Chapter He-P 800 - RESIDENTIAL CARE AND HEALTH FACILITY RULES
Part He-P 815 - INTERMEDIATE CARE FACILITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES (ICF/IID)
Section He-P 815.11 - Complaints

Universal Citation: NH Admin Rules He-P 815.11

Current through Register No. 40, October 3, 2024

(a) The department shall investigate any complaint that meets the following conditions:

(1) The alleged violation(s) occurred not more than 6 months prior to the date the department was made aware of the allegation(s);

(2) The complaint is based upon the complainant's first-hand knowledge regarding the allegation(s) or on information reported directly to the complainant by a person who has first-hand knowledge regarding the allegation(s);

(3) There is sufficient specific information for the department to determine that the allegation(s), if proven to be true, would constitute a violation of any of the provisions of RSA 151 or He-P 815; or

(4) The complaint is received from any source and alleges a violation that occurred at any time if the complaint alleges:
a. Physical injury or abuse;

b. Verbal or emotional abuse; or

c. The danger of physical injury to one or more residents.

(b) When practicable, the complaint shall be in writing and contain the following information:

(1) The name and address of the ICF/IID, or the alleged unlicensed person or entity;

(2) The name, address, and telephone number of the complainant; and

(3) A description of the situation that supports the complaint and the alleged violation(s) of RSA 151 and He-P 815.

(c) Investigations shall include all techniques and methods for gathering information which are appropriate to the circumstances of the complaint, including, but not limited to:

(1) Requests for additional information from the complainant or the facility;

(2) A physical inspection of the premises;

(3) Review of any relevant records; and

(4) Interviews with residents who might have information that is relevant to the investigation.

(d) For the licensed ICF/IID, the department shall:

(1) Provide written notification of the results of the investigation to the licensee along with an inspection report if areas of non-compliance were found as a result of the investigation;

(2) Notify any other federal, state, or local agencies of suspected violations of their statutes or rules based on the results of the investigation, as appropriate;

(3) Require the licensee to submit a POC in accordance with He-P 815.12, unless the department determined the complaint is unfounded or does not violate any statutes or rule; and

(4) If it is determined the complaint is unfounded or does not violate any statutes or rules, notify the licensee in writing and take no further action.

(e) The following shall apply for the unlicensed individual or entity:

(1) In accordance with RSA 151:7-a, II, the department shall provide written notification to the owner or person responsible that includes:
a. The date of investigation;

b. The reasons for the investigation; and

c. Whether or not the investigation resulted in a determination that the services being provided require licensing under RSA 151:2, I(e);

(2) In accordance with RSA 151:7-a, II, the owner or person responsible shall be allowed 7 days from the date of receipt of the notice required by (e)(1) above to submit a written response to the findings prior to the department's issuance of a warning;

(3) If the response described in (e)(2) is not received within 7 days from the date of receipt of the notice described in (e)(1) and in accordance with RSA 151:7-a, I, the department shall issue a written warning, following an investigation conducted under RSA 151:6 or an inspection under RSA 151:6-a, to the owner or person responsible, requiring compliance with RSA 151 and He-P 815;

(4) The warning in (e)(3) above, shall include:
a. The time frame within which the owner or person responsible shall comply with the directives of the warning;

b. The final date by which the action or actions requiring licensure must cease or by which an application for licensure must be received by the department before the department initiates any legal action available to it to cease the operation of the facility; and

c. The right of the owner or person responsible to appeal the warning under RSA 151:7-a, III, which shall be conducted in accordance with RSA 151:8 and RSA 541-A:30, III, as applicable; and

(5) Any person or entity who fails to comply after receiving a warning as described in (e)(3) above shall be subject to an action by the department for injunctive relief under RSA 151:17 and an administrative fine pursuant to He-P 815.13(c)(5).

(f) Complaint investigation files shall be confidential in accordance with RSA 151:13, and shall not be disclosed publicly but shall be released by the department on written request only:

(1) To the department of justice when relevant to a specific investigation;

(2) To law enforcement when relevant to a specific criminal investigation;

(3) When a court of competent jurisdiction orders the department to release such information; or

(4) In connection with any administrative or judicial proceedings relative to the licensee.

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