N.H. Admin. Code § He-P 817.11

Current through Register No. 50, December 12, 2024
Section He-P 817.11 - Complaints and Investigations
(a) The department shall respond to 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 817.
(b) When practicable, the complaint shall be in writing and contain the following information:
(1) The name and address, if known, of the collection station, 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 817.
(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 collection station:
(1) The department shall provide written notification of the results of the investigation to the licensee along with an inspection report if deficiencies 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 deficiencies being cited, the licensee shall be required to submit a POC in accordance with He-P 817.12(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; 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 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 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. Admin. Code § He-P 817.11

#5775, eff 1-24-94, EXPIRED: 1-24-00

New. #8410 eff 8-19-05; ss by #8853, eff 3-24-07

Amended by Volume XXXV Number 49, Filed December 10, 2015, Proposed by #10979, Effective 11/20/2015, Expires11/20/2025.