N.H. Code Admin. R. He-P 804.11

Current through Register No. 16, April 18, 2024
Section He-P 804.11 - Complaints
(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 804.
(b) When practicable the complaint shall be in writing and contain the following information:
(1) The name and address of the ALR-RC, 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 804.
(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 records that might be relevant; and
(4) Interviews with individuals who might have information that is relevant to the investigation.
(d) For a licensed ALR-RC, 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 804.12(c) if the inspection results in areas of non-compliance being cited.
(e) The following shall apply for the 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-a, II, the owner or person responsible shall be allowed 7 business days from the date of the notice required by (1) above to submit a completed application for a license;
(3) If the owner of an unlicensed facility does not comply with (2) above, the department shall issue a written warning to immediately comply with RSA 151 and He-P 804; 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-P 804.13(c) (1) .
(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 an adjudicative proceeding relative to the licensee.

N.H. Code Admin. R. He-P 804.11

#2261, eff 1-17-83; ss by #3193, eff 1-28-86; rpld by #4516, eff 10-28-88; ss by #5317, EMERGENCY, eff 1-29-92, EXPIRED: 5-28-92

New. #5511, eff 11-25-92; amd by #5665, eff 7-14-93; ss by #6895, INTERIM, eff 11-26-98, EXPIRED: 3-26-99

New. #9121, eff 4-3-08

Amended by Volume XXXVI Number 49, Filed December 8, 2016, Proposed by #12047, Effective 11/19/2016, Expires 5/18/2017.
Amended by Volume XXXVII Number 45, Filed November 09, 2017, Proposed by #12414, Effective 11/3/2017, Expires 11/3/2027.