|
This office was established to assist citizens of West Virginia
in addressing concerns and grievances that they have regarding
the behavioral health care delivery system and to provide for a
process in which resolution of those issues can be accomplished.
|
| |
| Policy Declaration |
|
Any citizen who has a grievance relative to the delivery of behavioral
health services in the state of West Virginia may pursue resolution of
those issues or systemic problems by contacting the Office of the Ombudsman at:
|
| |
Office of the Ombudsman for Behavioral Health
State Capitol Complex
Building 6, Room 850
Charleston, WV 25305
Phone: 304-558-2159 Fax: 304-558-2378
Email: davidsudbeck@wvdhhr.org
|
| |
|
There may be particularly sensitive
times when a grievant may wish to register a complaint
anonymously. In those situations the identity of the
grievant will be preserved within the Office of the
Ombudsman.
|
| |
|
All material and records of the grievance
proceedings shall be considered confidential pursuant to
W.Va. Code §27-3-1 and will be retained on file with this
office.
|
| |
|
All grievance proceedings will occur at
a location easily accessible to all parties.
|
| |
|
The Ombudsman will have independence
to administratively resolve all complaints or disputes filed
with the office. The Ombudsman shall be subject only to a
subcommittee of the Behavioral Health Advisory Council consisting
of (1) the Commissioner for the Bureau for Behavioral Health &
Health Facilities, (2) a designee of the West Virginia Behavioral
Health Providers Association, (3) the Director of West Virginia
Advocates (P&A) or designee, (4) counsel for petitioners,
(5) the Director of the West Virginia Facility Advocacy Project,
and (6) the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human
Resources or his/her designee.
|
| |
|
The Ombudsman shall have access to all facilities and
records, as well as access to patients, staff, contractees, or any
other person affected by the behavioral health delivery system for
the purpose of gathering information relevant to service need and
measuring compliance with the law and court orders resulting from
Hartley.
|
| |
|
No reprisals of any kind shall be taken
by any individual, employer or agent of the employer against
any interested party or any other participant in the grievance
procedure.
|
