AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
October 22, 2001
AASA BH #2001-021SUBJECT:? Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR) Process
Dear Boarding Home Provider:
On November 15, 2000 Residential Care Services (RCS) met with stakeholders representing nursing homes, boarding homes, and adult family homes to discuss the IDR process.? In response to provider suggestions from that meeting, RCS implemented additional IDR options that can be requested by providers.
On April 3, 2001 RCS sent out a letter (AASA: BH #2001-008) to inform providers of the new IDR options.? As a follow-up to that letter, enclosed is the updated IDR process in RCS.
The provider must request the IDR within ten (10) calendar days of the receipt of the statement of deficiencies.? Effective April 16, 2001 providers can request that an alternate Field Manager, who is unfamiliar with the statement of deficiencies, handle the IDR.? The provider may also request that, in lieu of a face-to-face IDR, the IDR be conducted by telephone or be based solely on a record/documentation review.? The Field Manager will have discretion to decide which type of IDR can be accommodated.? The provider must request an alternate Field Manager or an alternate review in its initial IDR request letter.
This letter explains the current Washington State IDR process, including the new choices described above.? The purpose of the IDR process has not changed.?
The purpose is to:
- Facilitate accurate survey assessment of boarding home provider performance through constructive, clear, and ongoing communication during the inspection process;
- Provide a vehicle to resolve disputes related to deficiencies informally;
The state inspection process still provides the opportunity for discussion of concerns and potentially significant issues while the licensors are on-site.? The inspection process mandates at least one status meeting before exit.? Providers are encouraged to provide information to assist licensors in making compliance decisions while the licensors are on-site.? This communication is truly the first step in an informal dispute resolution process.? After exit, providers are encouraged to send clarifying documents to the inspection team while the licensors are preparing the inspection report.? Once the providers have received the statement of deficiencies, the state informal dispute resolution process is available to them.
The IDR process does not replace or stop the formal process for enforcement actions.? It is designed to promote the resolution of disagreements during the inspection process and immediately following receipt of the statement of deficiencies so that the need for formal and protracted disputes might be avoided or reduced.
If you have questions after you have read the enclosed Informal Dispute Resolution Process, please call the Field Manager for your facility.
Sincerely,
Patricia K. Lashway, Director
Residential Care Services
cc:? Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Assistant Director
RCS Regional Administrators
RCS Field Managers
RCS Enforcement Officers
