Complaint investigation procedures

§ 461-o. Complaint investigation procedures. The department shall establish procedures governing the receipt and investigation of complaints regarding the care afforded to residents of adult care facilities consistent with article eleven of this chapter, as applicable. Such procedures shall assure the confidentiality of the complainant. Such procedures shall include but not be limited to the procedures for reporting complaints, either in writing or orally to the department, and the time frames governing the investigation of any such complaints submitted to the department. Provided however, if any complaint alleges the abuse or neglect of a resident or involves an incident that exposes a resident to cruel or unsafe care or otherwise represents a serious resident care issue, the department shall ensure that an investigation of any such complaint is initiated immediately and in no event commenced less than seventy-two hours from the time such complaint is received by the department. Upon the conclusion of the investigation by the department the operator and the complainant shall be notified in writing of the results of such investigation or, as applicable, pursuant to article eleven of this chapter.