OAR 333-071-0280: Investigations

(1) As soon as practicable after receiving a complaint, taking into consideration the nature of the complaint, Authority staff will begin an investigation. (2) An SICF shall permit Authority staff access to the facility during an investigation. (3) An investigation may include but is not limited to: (a) Interviews of the complainant, patients of the SICF, patient family members, witnesses, SICF management and staff; (b) On-site observations of patients, staff performance, and the physical environment of the SICF; and (c) Review of documents and records. (4) Information obtained by the Authority during an investigation of a complaint or reported violation under this rule is confidential and not subject to public disclosure under ORS 192.410 to 192.505, except as otherwise specified in 42 CFR § 401, Subpart B, if applicable. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the Authority may publicly release a report of its findings but may not include information in the report that could be used to identify the complainant or any patient at the SICF. The Authority may use any information obtained during an investigation in an administrative or judicial proceeding concerning the licensing of an SICF, and may report information obtained during an investigation to a health professional regulatory board as defined in ORS 676.160 as that information pertains to a licensee of the board.