§ 31-8-56 — Resolution of complaints

(a) Following an investigation, the state ombudsman or community ombudsman shall report his opinions or recommendations to the party or parties affected thereby and shall attempt to resolve the complaint using, whenever possible, informal techniques of mediation, conciliation, and persuasion. With respect to a complaint against the long-term care facility, the ombudsman shall first notify the administrator of the facility in writing and give such administrator a reasonable opportunity to correct any alleged defect. If the administrator fails to take corrective action after a reasonable amount of time or if the defect seriously threatens the safety or well-being of the residents, the state ombudsman or community ombudsman may refer the complaint to an appropriate agency. (b) Complaints or conditions adversely affecting residents of long-term care facilities which cannot be resolved in the manner described in subsection (a) of this Code section shall, whenever possible, be referred by the state ombudsman or community ombudsman to an appropriate agency. (c) The community ombudsman shall not disclose to the public, either directly or indirectly, the identity of any long-term care facility which is the subject of an investigation unless and until the matter has been reviewed by the office of the state ombudsman and the matter has been referred to an appropriate governmental agency for action.