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<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".16" citation="COMAR 10.21.17.16" title_num="10" subtitle_num="21" chapter_num="17" heading="Complaints.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>A program shall develop and implement an internal process for the prompt and objective resolution of complaints related to services provided that may be presented by an individual.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The program shall prominently display, in accessible centralized locations, the written description of the complaint process.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>A program shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Prepare the document describing the program's complaint process;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Include as part of the written complaint process a form for the individual's use when filing a complaint, and a process by which, if requested by the individual, a program staff member or individual chosen by the individual receiving services, can assist in its completion; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Provide a copy of the program's complaint process for each individual:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>During the individual's orientation; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>At any time upon an individual's request.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A program shall include in the complaint process required by §A of this regulation the procedures for registering and responding to the complaints in a timely fashion, which:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Require a complaint to be reviewed by the program and, if applicable, the CSA, within 30 calendar days of the program's receipt of the complaint;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Allow participation by others designated by the individual;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Allow information to be presented to support the individual's position;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Ensure the participation of the program staff members who have the authority to implement corrective action;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Require documentation of the substance of the complaints and the actions taken;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Include a review which:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Provides an opportunity, if the individual chooses, to have the individual's complaint reviewed by the CSA director or the CSA director's designee;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Requires the program, before making a final determination, to collaborate with the CSA to address the individual's complaint; and</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(7)">
      <text>Include written notification of the program's determination to:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The individual who filed the complaint; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>If the program's final determination conflicts with the CSA's opinion, the Administration.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>If the program's final determination conflicts with the CSA's opinion, the Administration may review the complaint as indicated.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Unless the individual presents a serious risk to self or others, the program shall postpone taking action until the recommendations of the CSA and the Administration have been made, if applicable.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>