Section He-P 810.11 - Complaints and Investigations(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 810.(b) When practicable, the complaint shall be in writing and contain the following information: (1) The name and address, if known, of the birthing center, 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 810.(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;(2) A physical inspection of the premises;(3) Review of any records that might be relevant and have probative value; and(4) Interviews with individuals who might have information that is relevant to the investigation and might have probative value.(d) The following shall apply for a licensed birthing center: (1) The department shall provide written notification of the results of the investigation to the licensee along with a statement of findings or notice to correct if areas of noncompliance were found as a result of the investigation;(2) The department shall 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) If the department determines that the complaint is unfounded or does not violate any statutes or rules, the department shall notify the licensee in writing and take no further action; and(4) If the investigation results in areas of noncompliance being cited, the licensee shall be required to submit a POC in accordance with He-P 810.12(c) .(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; andc. Whether or not the investigation resulted in a determination that the services being provided require licensing under RSA 151:2, I;(2) In accordance with RSA 151:7-a, II, the owner or person responsible shall be allowed 7 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 817; and(4) Any person or entity who fails to comply after receiving a warning as described in (i) above, shall be subject to an action by the department for injunctive relief under RSA 151:17.(f) Complaint investigations 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; and(4) In connection with an adjudicative proceeding relative to licensure.N.H. Admin. Code § He-P 810.11
Amended by Volume XXXVI Number 36, Filed September 8, 2016, Proposed by #11161, Effective 8/20/2016, Expires 8/20/2026.