People supported by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities may have concerns related to services, supports or programs operated or funded by BHDD OIDD, a BHDD OIDD Regional Center, a DSN Board or contracted service provider. Examples of these concerns include, but are not limited to:
- The Service Plan.
- Restriction of personal rights and freedoms.
- Program, supports, and service placement decisions.
- Access to files/records.
- Determination of ability to give informed consent.
Contacts typically are made when the person who receives services or their representative feels their concern has not been satisfied through informal or routine contact with staff directly associated with the service, support or program. Contact with someone outside of the situation provides an opportunity for objective and impartial review of the concern.
BHDD OIDD requires all providers to have a procedure for people who receive services and supports or representatives acting in their behalf that assures their right to voice concerns without actions being taken against them for doing so. The procedure will be reflective of the values and principles of BHDD OIDD and will clearly delineate all steps in the process. People who receive services and their representatives will be provided with information about the process in a manner that is understandable to the person. Support will be provided, if needed, to people who wish to express a concern, but need assistance in understanding or following the process.
All efforts will be made to resolve concerns at the most immediate staff level that can properly address the concern. Efforts will also be made to promote trust and open communication at the local service level whenever possible. Concerns involving health and safety of people receiving services will receive immediate review and necessary action will be taken if the person’s health or safety is at risk.
People who receive services and/or their representatives expressing concerns should be encouraged to seek remediation through their direct service provider’s policy regarding concerns. If the concern is unable to be resolved at this level, then the matter should be referred to the appropriate DDN District Director and/or the BHDD OIDD Quality Management Division. Follow-up to a concern will include contact with the person or representative expressing the concern, review and research of the concern, efforts to mediate resolution, and documentation of all actions taken.
