OAR 419-120-0030: Initial Action on Complaints of Alleged Abuse

(1) State hospital staff are required to immediately report alleged abuse of patients to: (a) The Department’s OTIS either by phone or in writing; and (b) The OSH Superintendent or their designee. (2) Upon receiving a complaint alleging abuse, OTIS shall document the reported information required by ORS 430.743 and any additional information reported. OTIS shall attempt to elicit the following information from the reporter: (a) The name, age and present location of the allegedly abused adult or patient; (b) The names and addresses of the persons responsible for the adult’s care; (c) The nature and extent of the alleged abuse, including any evidence of previous abuse; (d) Any information that led the reporter to suspect abuse occurred; (e) Any other information that the reporter believes might be helpful in establishing the cause of the abuse and the identity of the AP; and (f) The date of the incident. (3) If there is reason to believe a crime has been committed, the investigator shall immediately within one business day notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction. (a) The investigator shall follow-up with law enforcement if it was reported a police report was filed to ensure the suspected crime or alleged abuse was reported; (b) To ascertain if a criminal investigation is being conducted; and (c) Obtain all copies of any law enforcement reports. (4) The investigator shall notify the appropriate medical examiner in cases when there is reasonable cause to believe that a patient has died as a result of abuse. The investigator shall also immediately notify the Authority Director. (5) Upon receipt of a complaint of alleged abuse, the investigator shall immediately, within one business day, begin to: (a) Screen the complaint to determine whether an abuse investigation is required under these rules; (b) Determine whether the alleged victim sustained any serious injury, and (c) Assess the need for protective services per OAR 419-120-0050. (6) OTIS shall maintain all complaints of alleged abuse in a confidential location.