Ombuds Services

Ombuds Services

For consumers of Public Mental Health Services

What is an Ombuds? The Ombuds is an independent service created by State law with responsibilities to receive complaints and grievances from public mental health consumers and others and to protect their rights.

What is the purpose? The purpose is to receive complaints and grievances and assist in quickly resolving them.

Who is eligible? Greater Columbia Behavioral Health residents who are eligible or receiving publicly funded mental health services are eligible for Ombuds services. Complaints may also be taken from family members and other interested parties.

What can the Ombudsperson do for me?

	Listens to your problem.
	Analyzes what is involved.
	Investigates facts, records, laws, policies, and procedures.
	Assists you in filing a complaint and in following the grievance procedure.
	Follows through the see that the complaint or grievance is resolved and you are kept informed.
	Recommends changes to correct a problem or prevent future occurrences.
	Provides information on resources and consumer rights.

What are the fees? There are no fees associated with this service.

What can't the Ombudsperson do for me? The Ombudsperson:

	Cannot act as a Case Manager.
	Cannot give you legal advice.
	Cannot ensure any specific outcome.
	Cannot represent you as an attorney would.

What can I do to help resolve my complaint?

	Be prepared to tell the Who, What, When, and Where of the problem.
	Supply any written information you may have.
	Consider what would be a fair remedy. What is it you want from the agency?
	Keep the Ombudsperson informed of how you can be contacted.

How do I contact the Ombudsperson for help?

For an appointment call: (509) 783-3325 or 1-800-257-0660

or write:

Ti Nelson & Chris Hoag, Ombuds Services Coordinators

Benton Franklin Dispute Resolution Center

5219 W. Clearwater, Suite 11,

Kennewick, Washington 99336

Appointments are available:

Monday through Friday

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

GCBH Member Governments:

Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Garfield, Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, Walla Walla, Whitman, and Yakima Counties, and the Yakama Nation.

Click here for a copy of your rights.

NOTE: The list if rights is in PDF format and requires Adobe Reader 6.0 or higher. If you do not have Adobe Reader on your computer, click the icon below to download the program.

Consumers Rights Continued (WAC 388-865-0410)

All research concerning consumers whose cost of care is publicly funded must be done in accordance with all applicable laws, including DSHS rules on the protection of human research subjects as specified in chapter 388-04 WAC.

Make an advance directive, stating your choices and preferences regarding your physical and mental health treatment if you are unable to make informed decisions.

Appeal any denial, termination, suspension, or reduction of services and to continue to receive services at least until your appeal is heard by a fair hearing judge.

If you are Medicaid eligible, receive all service which are medically necessary to meet your care needs. In the event that there is a disagreement, you have the right to a second opinion from a provider within the regional support network about what services are medically necessary.

Discrimination is prohibited in all programs and activities: No one shall be excluded on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, disabled veteran status, Vietnam Era Veteran status, or disability. This material is available in alternate formats.

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