OKDHS - OAC 340:5-1-8. Complaints concerning the APS program

340:5-1-8. Complaints concerning the APS program

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Revised 6-1-10

Complaints regarding an investigation or the provision of services may be submitted to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) by telephone or in written form, including e-mail. Complaints regarding:

(1) Adult Protective Services (APS) policy and procedure are referred to the county director who performs a case review. The county director sends a written response to the complainant within 45 calendar days stating the general findings of the review. If not satisfied with the county director's findings, the complainant may, within 30 days of the date of the letter, submit a written appeal to the, OKDHS Family Support Services Division, APS Unit, P. O. Box 25352, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. A committee composed of Family Support Services Division and Field Operations Division staff reviews the appeal and sends the complainant its decision within 30 calendar days; • 1
(2) possible inappropriate treatment by an APS specialist or APS specialist IV are referred to the appropriate county director for action; and • 2
(3) involuntary services are handled through the appropriate judicial system. • 3

INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF 340:5-1-8

Revised 6-1-10

1. (a) No confidential information is included in the letter. A copy of the letter is also sent to the Family Support Services Division (FSSD) Adult Protective Services (APS) Unit.

(b) The division directors for FSSD and the Field Operations Division (FOD) appoint staff to serve on the appeal review committee. Upon reaching a decision, a letter is prepared for either the FOD director or FSSD director signature depending on the nature of the complaint.

2. (a) When a civil rights allegation is received, the county director offers to help the complainant complete Form 14CR001E, Discrimination Complaint – Client or Vendor. The completed form is sent to the Office for Civil Rights address on the form for appropriate action.

(b) The county director of the human services center (HSC) in the county in which the alleged victim resides is responsible for addressing the complaint of possible inappropriate conduct by an APS specialist.

3. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Office of General Counsel may be consulted when these complaints are received.

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