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Information for Individuals Receiving Services from Licensed Providers and State Operated Facilities
All individuals receiving services have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, to be told about their treatment, to have a say in their treatment, to speak to others in private, to have their complaints resolved, to say what they prefer, to ask questions and be told about their rights, and to get help with their rights.
Additionally, all individuals receiving services have the right to file a complaint against their service provider should they feel their rights have been violated. Individuals may also have someone file a complaint on their behalf. Any individual who needs to file a complaint may do so by informing their service provider of the complaint or contacting their Human Rights Advocate. The contact information for the Office of Human Rights can be found on all “It’s Your Right” posters located in each service location.
Important Information
Access the Human Rights Regulations by clicking the link below.
Individuals (or their substitute decision maker) who would like to make a Human Rights complaint directly to the Office of Human Rights, may do so by calling or emailing the Regional Manager/Facility Operations Manager using the contact information linked below. Contact the Manager assigned to the Region where the provider or facility involved in the alleged violation is located.
The following link is to a sample of the terms and definitions taken from the Human Rights Regulations. This is not an exhaustive list of definitions. You may review the entire list of terms and definitions by clicking the Human Rights Regulations link above.
The Local Human Rights Committees (LHRC) and State Human Rights Committee (SHRC) ensures due process for the individuals within our service delivery system.
The LHRCs and SHRC consist, in part, of individuals receiving services. If you are an individual receiving services, or you know of an individual receiving services, considering volunteering for a LHRC in your area or for the SHRC.
More information on the LHRCs and the SHRC, along with the applications, can be found in the LHRC & SHRC section.
You may review the Regional Map to identify the assigned Regional Advocate for the licensed providers in each of the five regions, as well as the assigned Facility Advocate Manager for all of our state operated facilities.
The Regional Map can be found in the Contact Information section.
Making My Own Decisions
According to the Human Rights Regulations, all individuals have a right to participate meaningfully in decisions regarding all aspects of services affecting them. Individuals retaining their capacity are able to consent to treatment, services, or research, or authorize disclosure of information. However, individuals retaining their capacity may desire support in making certain decisions. Supported decision-making can help individuals retain their capacity or increase their capacity to make decisions. Virginia’s Supported Decision-Making Agreement is designed to help individuals who have capacity document the type and level of support they desire, as well as who they want to support them. Please review information on Supported Decision-Making Agreements by clicking here.
HR Access
HR Access is an initiative to assist individuals, authorized representatives, family members and other stakeholders with expanding their understanding of Human Rights. It is important to know that each individual receiving services is valued and their rights are guaranteed and protected while in services.
An Interview with the Office of Human Rights by Rights Here, Rights Now! • A podcast on Anchor
Rights Here, Rights Now!
By disAbility Law Center of VA
Rights Here, Rights Now! is a disAbility Law Center of Virginia podcast. The disAbility Law Center of Virginia is the protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities in Virginia. This is the trailer episode where we discuss the purpose of the podcast and what is to come! Full episode transcription in episode details.
Other helpful information
Helpful links for complaints related to agencies outside of DBHDS:
Department of Social Services (DSS)
Adult Protective Services (APS) – reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults 60 years of age or older and incapacitated adults aged 18 or older.
Child Protective Services (CPS)– reports of abuse and neglect; conducting investigations to determine the validity of the CPS reports; and providing services that enhance child safety and prevent further abuse and neglect to families and children.
Assisted Living Facilities (ALF)- reports related to a non-medical residential setting that provides or coordinates personal and health care services, 24-hour supervision, and assistance for the care of four or more adults who are aged, infirm or disabled.
- Online Complaint Form – Virginia Department of Social Services
- Find Your Local Department – Virginia Department of Social Services
The Department of Health Professions (DHP)
Complaints related to Virginia licensed professional healthcare practitioners
Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
Complaints related to a hospital, nursing facility, hospice or homecare agency
- Consumer Complaints
- Nursing Facility Complaint Form
- Other Licensed Entity Complaint Form
- MCHIP Enrollee Complaint Form
- OLC-Complaints@vdh.virginia.gov
The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)
Complaints related to Fraud & Abuse are reported to the Referral Hotline which ensures that all suspected cases of Medicaid fraud and abuse are appropriately investigated
Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
Complaints related to a special education
The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
Complaints regarding Public Guardianship and Vocational Rehabilitation Services