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| 1. What is a DHHS Ombudsman? |
| 2. What can a DHHS Ombudsman do for me? |
| 3. Do I call the DHHS Ombudsman first? |
| 4. Are the DHHS Ombudsman records confidential? |
| 5. Do you respond to civil rights complaints for all NH state government agencies? |
| 6. How do I file a civil rights complaint with DHHS? |
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| 1. What is a DHHS Ombudsman? | Back to top |
| A DHHS Ombudsman is an individual who helps clients, employees and others who have a problem with DHHS or its contractors. |
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| 2. What can a DHHS Ombudsman do for me? | Back to top |
| An Ombudsman may investigate any administrative act of DHHS or its contractors. The Ombudsman has no authority to require DHHS or a contractor to change a decision, but will look at the disagreement and try to bring about a resolution that is fair. An Ombudsman may also present DHHS management with findings of the investigation and recommend changes. |
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| 3. Do I call the DHHS Ombudsman first? | Back to top |
| No. The Office of the Ombudsman is not a substitute or replacement for normal complaint resolution mechanisms. Its goal is to ensure the existing grievance systems are effective and that they resolve differences fairly. However, if you don't know the appropriate person to call, or the system doesn't seem to be working for you, then call the Office of the Ombudsman. |
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| 4. Are the DHHS Ombudsman records confidential? | Back to top |
| Yes. Names of complainants are not made known to parties outside of the Ombudsman's Office without their consent, unless required by law. When it is necessary to disclose a person's identity to bring about resolution, complainants are advised accordingly. |
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| 5. Do you respond to civil rights complaints for all NH state government agencies? | Back to top |
| No, only for DHHS. Other NH state government departments and agencies handle their own complaints and investigations. |
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| 6. How do I file a civil rights complaint with DHHS? | Back to top |
| Contact the Ombudsman Office. |
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