Iowa Code r. 141-2.2 - Complaints
(1)
Persons
who may contact office. Any person may contact the ombudsman
concerning an administrative action by an agency. If a person contacts the
ombudsman on behalf of another person whose specific right or interest is
directly affected by an administrative action, the ombudsman may request that
the affected person contact the ombudsman as the complainant or obtain the
consent of the affected person before considering the complaint.
(2)
Methods of contact. The
ombudsman may be contacted at the office of ombudsman or at the site of an
agency or other location specified by the ombudsman. Contact may be made by
mail, email, telephone, facsimile (fax), or any other method deemed acceptable
by the ombudsman, except as provided in subrule 2.2(3). Contact may also be
made indirectly by the receipt of a person's correspondence which is referred
or forwarded to the office of the ombudsman.
(3)
Written complaints. The
ombudsman may require complaints to be submitted in writing or on a form
prescribed by the ombudsman.
(4)
Assistance by the ombudsman. If a person is incapable of
submitting a written complaint or has difficulty communicating with the
ombudsman because of a disability or language barrier, the ombudsman shall
assist that person in completing the complaint or make accommodations to
facilitate communication with that person.
(5)
Self-initiated
complaints. An investigation into an agency's administrative action
may be initiated on the ombudsman's own motion, if the ombudsman determines it
is an appropriate subject for investigation.
(6)
Anonymous complaints.
The ombudsman may accept a complaint from an anonymous person. However, if the
ombudsman at any time determines the complainant's identity is needed to pursue
an investigation of the complaint, the ombudsman may request that the
complainant's identity be disclosed. If the identity of the complainant is not
disclosed as requested, the ombudsman may decline to pursue investigation of
the complaint.
(7)
Information requests. If a person who contacts the ombudsman
requests information, the ombudsman may provide such information, if it relates
to state and local government, or refer the person to another agency or to any
other appropriate entity or source for the information.
(8)
No fee or charge. The
ombudsman shall not assess any monetary or other charge against any person who
contacts the office of ombudsman for assistance.
Notes
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