OAR 333-255-0105: Investigations

(1) As soon as practicable after receiving a complaint, taking into consideration the nature of the complaint, Oregon Health Authority (Authority) staff will begin an investigation. (2) An ambulance service shall permit Authority staff access to the service agency and ambulance vehicles during an investigation. For purposes of an investigation, giving advanced notice to the licensed ambulance service is not required. (3) An investigation may include but is not limited to: (a) Interviews of the complainant, patients of the ambulance service, patient family members, witnesses, ambulance service management and staff; (b) On-site observations of staff performance and the physical environment of the ambulance service or ambulance vehicle; and (c) Review of documents and records. (4) The Authority may make photographic, video-graphic or audio recording documentation as part of an investigation of non-compliance with ORS chapter 682; OAR chapter 333, division 250; and these rules. (5) Information obtained by the Authority during an investigation of a complaint or reported violation under this section is confidential and not subject to public disclosure under ORS 676.175. 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 of the ambulance service. The Authority may use any information obtained during an investigation in an administrative or judicial proceeding concerning the licensing of an ambulance service, 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.