§16-5C-8 Investigation of complaints. - West Virginia Statutes

§16-5C-8. Investigation of complaints.
The director shall establish rules for prompt investigation of all complaints of alleged violations by nursing homes of applicable requirements of state law or rules, except for such complaints that the director determines are willfully intended to harass a licensee or are without any reasonable basis. Such procedures shall include provisions for ensuring the confidentiality of the complainant and for promptly informing the complainant and the nursing home involved of the results of the investigation.

If, after its investigation, the director determines that the complaint has merit, the director shall take appropriate disciplinary action and shall advise any injured party of the possibility of a civil remedy.

No nursing home may discharge or in any manner discriminate against any resident, legal representative or employee for the reason that the resident, legal representative or employee has filed a complaint or participated in any proceeding specified in this article. Violation of this prohibition by any nursing home constitutes ground for the suspension or revocation of the license of the nursing home as provided in section eleven of this article. Any type of discriminatory treatment of a resident, legal representative or employee by whom, or upon whose behalf, a complaint has been submitted to the director, or any proceeding instituted under this article, within one hundred twenty days of the filing of the complaint or the institution of such action,shall raise a rebuttable presumption that such action was taken by the nursing home in retaliation for such complaint or action.