§ 122C-13. (This article has a contingent effective date - see note) State Consumer Advocate duties. - North Carolina Statutes

§ 122C‑13.  (Thisarticle has a contingent effective date – see note) State Consumer Advocateduties.

The State Consumer Advocateshall:

(1)        Establish LocalQuality Care Consumer Advocacy Programs described in G.S. 122C‑14 andappoint the Local Consumer Advocates.

(2)        Establishcertification criteria and minimum training requirements for Local ConsumerAdvocates.

(3)        Certify LocalConsumer Advocates. The certification requirements shall include completion ofthe minimum training requirements established by the State Consumer Advocate.

(4)        Provide training andtechnical Advocacy to Local Consumer Advocates.

(5)        Establish proceduresfor processing and resolving complaints both at the State and local levels.

(6)        Establish proceduresfor coordinating complaints with local human rights committees and the Stateprotection and advocacy agency.

(7)        Establish proceduresfor appropriate access by the State and Local Consumer Advocates to State, areaauthority, and county program facilities and records to ensure MH/DD/SA. Theprocedures shall include, but not be limited to, interviews of owners,consumers, and employees of State, area authority, and county programfacilities, and on‑site monitoring of conditions and services. Theprocedures shall ensure the confidentiality of these records and that theidentity of any complainant or consumer will not be disclosed except asotherwise provided by law.

(8)        Provide informationto the public about available MH/DD/SA services, complaint procedures, anddispute resolution processes.

(9)        Analyze and monitorthe development and implementation of federal, State, and local laws,regulations, and policies relating to consumers and recommend changes asconsidered necessary to the Secretary.

(10)      Analyze and monitordata relating to complaints or concerns about access and issues to identifysignificant local or systemic problems, as well as opportunities forimprovement, and advise and assist the Secretary in developing policies, plans,and programs for ensuring that the quality of services provided to consumers isof a uniformly high standard.

(11)      Submit a reportannually to the Secretary, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on MentalHealth, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services, and the JointLegislative Health Care Oversight Committee containing data and findingsregarding the types of problems experienced and complaints reported by or onbehalf of providers, consumers, and employees of providers, as well asrecommendations to resolve identified issues and to improve the administrationof MH/DD/SA facilities and the delivery of MH/DD/SA services throughout theState. (2001‑437,s. 2; 2002‑126, s. 10.30; 2003‑284, s. 10.10; 2005‑276, s.10.27.)