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 822 - HOME CARE SERVICE PROVIDER AGENCIES (HCSPA)
Section He-P 822.11 - Complaints

Universal Citation: NH Admin Rules He-P 822.11

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); and

(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 822.

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

(1) The name and address, if known, of the HCSPA, or the alleged unlicensed individual 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 or He-P 822.

(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 HCSPA;

(2) Physical inspection of the premises;

(3) Review of relevant records; and

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

(d) For a licensed HCSPA, 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) Notify the licensee in writing and take no further action if the department determines that the complaint is unfounded, under (a) above, or does not violate any statutes or rules; and

(4) Require the licensee to submit a POC in accordance with He-P 822.

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

(1) 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, IV;

(2) In accordance with RSA 151:7-aII, the owner or person responsible shall be allowed 7 days from the date of receipt of the notice required by (1) above to submit a completed application for a license;

(3) If the owner of an unlicensed HCSPA does not comply with (2) above, the department shall issue a written warning to immediately comply with RSA 151 and He-P 822; and

(4) Any person or entity who fails to comply after receiving a warning as described in (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-P822.13(c) .

(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 adjudicative proceedings relative to the licensee.

#9522, eff 7-25-09

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