Filing of Complaint

(1) Any individual or the human rights committee of any provider may file an oral or written complaint by reporting a matter to DPPC. (2) A Department or provider employee is mandated to and shall immediately file an oral or written complaint with the DPPC when he or she has reasonable cause to believe that a reportable condition exists or an incident or occurrence has occurred that meets the criteria in 115 CMR 9.05(1) through (3). Failure to file shall be grounds for appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination. (3) A Department or provider employee, if asked to do so by an individual, shall assist the individual in making an oral or written complaint to the DPPC or shall direct the individual to an appropriate staff member who shall assist the individual in making an oral or written complaint. (4) The filing of a complaint with the DPPC in accordance with applicable DPPC procedures fulfills the reporting requirements of M.G.L. c. 19C and 115 CMR 9.00.