Kan. Admin. Regs. § 28-4-569

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 49, December 5, 2024

Section 28-4-569 - Resolution of complaints

(a) Complaints. Any person believing that there has been any violation of part C may file a complaint with the lead agency. A complaint may allege any violation of part C that occurred no more than one year before the lead agency received the complaint.

(b) Complaint proceedings. Any person who files a complaint may participate in the resolution of the complaint through one or more of the proceedings specified in subsections (c), (d), and (e), which may occur individually or simultaneously. Each person shall be responsible for that person's legal fees.

(c) Formal complaint. Any person may file a formal complaint against the lead agency, any local tiny-k program, or any provider of early intervention services, or any combination of these.

(1) Each formal complaint shall be submitted on a form provided by the lead agency or shall be submitted as a written and signed statement that includes the following information:

(A) Any alleged violations of part C requirements;

(B) the alleged circumstances on which the formal complaint is based;

(C) the contact information of the person filing the formal complaint; and

(D) a proposed resolution to the extent known and available to the person.

(2) If the formal complaint alleges any violation regarding a specific child, the formal complaint shall include the following additional information:

(A) The child's name and address;

(B) the name of the local tiny-k program providing early intervention services for the child;

(C) a description of any alleged violations regarding the child; and

(D) a proposed resolution of the problem, to the extent known and available to the person.

(3) Any person may submit additional written information about the allegations in the formal complaint within five days after filing the formal complaint.

(d) Mediation. A mediation may be requested by any party.

(1) A mediation shall be conducted if it meets the following requirements:

(A) Is voluntary by each party;

(B) does not deny or delay a parent's right to a due process hearing or any other rights under part C; and

(C) is conducted by an impartial mediator trained in mediation techniques.

(2) Each mediator appointed by the lead agency shall meet the following requirements:

(A) Be selected on a random or impartial basis by the lead agency;

(B) have knowledge of the laws and regulations relating to early intervention services;

(C) not be an employee of the lead agency or the provider of early intervention services; and

(D) be impartial and not have a private or professional interest in the outcome of the mediation.

(3) Each mediation shall be scheduled by agreement of each party and shall be held in a location convenient to each party.

(4) Each mediator shall perform the following duties:

(A) Listen to the presentation of each party to determine facts and issues;

(B) assist in the development of creative alternatives to resolve the complaint; and

(C) facilitate negotiation and decision making.

(5) If the parties resolve a dispute through mediation, the parties shall execute a legally binding mediation agreement.

(6) All discussions that occur during a mediation shall remain confidential.

(e) Due process hearing. Each due process hearing shall be conducted by a hearing officer who has knowledge of part C and early intervention services.

(1) Each due process hearing shall be conducted at a time and place convenient to the parents.

(2) Each hearing officer shall meet the requirements for impartiality specified in paragraph (d)(2), except that the hearing officer shall be selected by the office of administrative hearings.

(3) The hearing officer shall perform the following duties:

(A) Schedule the hearing;

(B) listen to each party's presentation;

(C) examine the information presented by each party;

(D) issue a written decision and provide the written decision to each party within 30 days after the lead agency receives the due process complaint; and

(E) provide a written or electronic verbatim transcription of the hearing.

(4) Each parent involved in a due process hearing shall have the following rights:

(A) To be accompanied and advised by counsel and by individuals with special knowledge or training with respect to early intervention services;

(B) to present evidence and testimony from witnesses;

(C) to prohibit the introduction of any evidence that has not been disclosed to the parent at least five days before the hearing; and

(D) to be provided with the written decision of the hearing officer and the verbatim transcription of the hearing at no cost.

(f) Each local lead agency and each local fiscal agency shall be responsible for the costs of remediation of part C complaints through formal complaint, mediation, or due process hearing proceedings, except legal fees.

Kan. Admin. Regs. § 28-4-569

Authorized by and implementing K.S.A. 75-5649; effective Jan. 30, 1995; amended Aug. 15, 1997; amended March 7, 2014.