LAC 46:LXXX.907. Informal Disposition of Complaints

A. Complaints may be settled informally by the ADRA and the person accused of a violation without the necessity of a formal hearing. B. The following types of informal dispositions may be utilized. 1. Disposition by Correspondence a. For complaints deemed technical in nature and which are considered less serious (complaints for which the allegations, if taken as true, do not indicate circumstances which pose a risk or threat of harm to a client), the executive director may write to the person explaining the nature of the complaint received. If the person's subsequent response provides a satisfactory explanation, the matter may be closed. b. If a satisfactory explanation is not forthcoming, the matter shall be pursued through an informal meeting and/or formal hearing. 2. Disposition by Informal Meeting a. The executive director may hold an informal meeting with the person in lieu of, or in addition to, correspondence for those complaints deemed technical in nature and which are considered less serious. If the situation is satisfactorily explained in the informal meeting, the matter may be closed. b. The person shall be given adequate notice of the informal meeting, of the issues to be discussed and of the fact that information brought out at the informal meeting may later be used in a formal hearing. The informal meeting shall be conducted by the complaint investigator or executive director or designee. 3. A settlement agreement between the person making the complaint and the person accused of a violation does not preclude disciplinary action by the ADRA.