LAC 28:LXI.503. Treatment of Complaints

A. Upon receipt, the complaint is reviewed; the issues, rules and statutes that may have been violated are identified; and the investigatory procedure is determined. An investigation may consist of telephone contact, requests for submission of written documents, and/or an on-site investigation. B. Complaints may be resolved by telephone call(s) or other alternative methods such as negotiation, mediation, conciliation, facilitation, and arbitration. C. The attempt to resolve a dispute through the complaint management procedures does not preclude a person's right to a due process hearing. These processes are mutually exclusive. Complaint procedures may not be used to delay a person's right to a due process hearing. D. All complaints must be resolved within 60 calendar days of receipt unless an extension is granted. Request for extensions may be made by the complainant, the public agency, or the LDOE.