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New Hampshire's System Review Committee finalized recommendations September 24 for changing how the state receives and investigates reports of abuse and neglect in its developmental-disability care system, the New Hampshire Bulletin reported.
The panel wants a shared electronic complaint-intake system that sends a report to the appropriate agency. It also recommends a live, round-the-clock hotline and an identifiable lead office for investigations.
Those proposals address a process that can involve several offices within the Department of Health and Human Services. The committee's concern is that families and people reporting suspected harm should not have to determine which office has jurisdiction before a complaint reaches an investigator.
The Bulletin reported that the panel also sought unannounced visits in response to risks and complaints, and public reporting of investigation data that protects victims' privacy.
The Developmental Services Quality Council's committee page describes a review covering people with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. Its meetings examined the responsibilities of investigators, providers and other parts of the system.
The council also accepted written public comments. It warned that those submissions are public records and urged participants to take care with confidential information.
The recommendations follow Bulletin reporting about abuse and neglect and the state's oversight. They are proposed changes from the review panel, rather than confirmation that a new hotline or complaint platform is already operating. Implementation would require action by the agencies and officials responsible for the system.
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