//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : PrintDate
//
//display current system date
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function PrintDate()
{
today = new Date();
year = today.getYear();
month_name = new Array("January", "February", "March", "April", "May", "June", "July", "August", "September", "October", "November", "December");
day_name = new Array("Sunday","Monday","Tuesday","Wednesday","Thursday","Friday","Saturday");
if (year < 2000) year = year + 1900;
document.write(""+ day_name[today.getDay()]+ ", " + month_name[today.getMonth()] + " " + today.getDate()+ " " + year + " ");
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : movein
//
//reset background color of menu and displays text based on the choice selected.
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function clickon(which,html)
{
//resets all the choices back to a gray color
//
document.getElementById('choice1').style.background='#ffffff';
document.getElementById('choice2').style.background='#ffffff';
document.getElementById('choice3').style.background='#ffffff';
document.getElementById('choice4').style.background='#ffffff';
document.getElementById('choice5').style.background='#ffffff';
document.getElementById('choice6').style.background='#ffffff';
document.getElementById('choice7').style.background='#ffffff';
//variables for the choices avialable on the table of content menu
//
var decisionMaker = 1; //who is the decision maker section
var process = 2; //what is the process section
var beforeFileComplaint = 3; //what need to know before file complaint section
var violation = 4; //what is a violation section
var submitComplaint = 5; //how to submit a complaint section
var callWho = 6; //who to call for a complaint section
var complaintFAQ = 7; //other complaint FAQ section
if (html == decisionMaker)
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "Who are the decision-makers?" + "" + " " +
"The Secretary of the Department of Health and 16 boards" + " " +
"and commissions (boards) are authorized by the legislature" + " " +
"to discipline health care providers who violate the law." + " " +
"The boards work in partnership with the Health Professions" + " " +
"Quality Assurance Office within the Department of Health" + " " +
"(Department) to develop a uniform process for receiving," + " " +
"investigating and determining appropriate discipline for" + " " +
"health care providers." + " " + " " +
"Disciplinary action can only be taken against health care" + " " +
"providers who are required by law to be licensed, certified" + " " +
"or registered with the Department of Health." + " "
}
else if (html == process)
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "What is the process?" + "" + " " +
"The mission of the Department of Health and the boards is" + " " +
"to protect consumers of health care services by assuring" + " " +
"the quality of health care and the competency of those who" + " " +
"provide health care in this state. The disciplinary process" + " " +
"is part of that effort." + " " + " " +
"The following information is a general overview of a complex" + " " +
"system and is not intended to explain every step in the" + " " +
"complaint and disciplinary process. If you have questions" + " " +
"that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us" + " " +
"for more information." + " " + " " +
"When a complaint concerning a health care provider is" + " " +
"received, the information is reviewed to determine whether" + " " +
"the circumstances being reported violate the law and whether" + " " +
"there is legal authority to take action. If these two" + " " +
"conditions are not met, the file is closed below threshold." + " " +
"Below threshold is a term used to identify complaints that" + " " +
"do not impact public safety or involve patient harm. If it" + " " +
"is determined that the alleged conduct would constitute a" + " " +
"violation, and there is legal authority to take action," + " " +
"the complaint is forwarded for an investigation." + " " + " " +
"The Department staff and board members manage each" + " " +
"case throughout the complaint and disciplinary process." + " " +
"They work with investigators, staff attorneys, and" + " " +
"the Office of the Attorney General to identify violations" + " " +
"and evaluate evidence. If the evidence does not" + " " +
"support the circumstances contained in a complaint," + " " +
"the complaint is closed. If violations are found," + " " +
"the case is presented to a panel of members from the" + " " +
"Department or board for approval to take action for" + " " +
"unprofessional conduct." + " " + " " +
"The administrative procedures that govern the complaint" + " " +
"and disciplinary process are described in the Adminis-" + " " +
"trative Procedures Act under Title 34 RCW." + " " +
"The disciplinary actions the Department and boards may" + " " +
"take against a health care provider are described in the" + " " +
"Uniform Disciplinary Act under RCW 18.130.160. Actions" + " " +
"boards may take against health care providers include" + " " +
"but are not limited to fines, counseling, re-training," + " " +
"practice limitations or suspension from practice. Both" + " " +
"the department and the boards are responsible to first" + " " +
"ensure that the public is protected and then to rehabi-" + " " +
"litate the health care provider." + " " + " " +
"It is important to note that disciplinary action files" + " " +
"are considered to be public records. However, medical" + " " +
"records and the names of patients and complainants are" + " " +
"not public records and will be removed before documents" + " " +
"are released." + " "
}
else if (html == beforeFileComplaint)
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "What do I need to know if I'm thinking" + " " +
"about submitting a complaint?" + "" + " " +
"Washington has some of the finest health care providers" + " " +
"in the United States, but if you believe that the actions" + " " +
"of a health care provider were inappropriate or may have" + " " +
"caused mental or physical harm to you or someone else," + " " +
"you should consider filing a complaint." + " " + " " +
"The Department of Health and the boards work together to" + " " +
"protect the people of Washington. Although we have the" + " " +
"responsibility to take corrective action against a health" + " " +
"care provider, we cannot impose criminal or civil penalties" + " " +
"because it is outside our authority to do so. Our" + " " +
"disciplinary actions focus on preventing further problems" + " " +
"with a practitioner and assuring safe, competent care for" + " " +
"the patients they treat in the future. By reporting" + " " +
"potential violations you can play an important role in" + " " +
"protecting the people of Washington." + " " + " " +
"Before making your decision to report a health care" + " " +
"provider, keep in mind that many common complaints such" + " " +
"as scheduling problems, personality conflicts, or disputes" + " " +
"over bills or insurance are usually not within the" + " " +
"Department or board’s legal authority to take action." + " " +
"Reports involving fees or insurance claims are only" + " " +
"investigated if there appears to be fraud involved." + " " + " " +
"If you are a credentialed health care provider, it is" + " " +
"important for you to know that some regulated health" + " " +
"professionals are required by law to report information" + " " +
"that another health care provider may be incompetent," + " " +
"guilty of unprofessional conduct, or impaired and unable" + " " +
"to practice safely. In circumstances such as this, the" + " " +
"Department and boards may take disciplinary action against" + " " +
"a health care provider for failing to report any potential" + " " +
"violation of the laws that govern the profession." + " "
}
else if (html == violation)
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "What is a violation?" + "" + " " +
"Violations of law fall into the following three categories." + " " +
"You do not need to know this to file a complaint, but you" + " " +
"may want to contact Health Professions Quality Assurance if" + " " +
"you have specific questions that have not been answered here." + " " + " " +
"" + "Mental or Physical Condition: " + "" + " This condition involves" + " " +
"the mental or physical inability of a health care" + " " +
"provider to practice with reasonable skill and safety." + " " +
"(RCW 18.130.170)" + " " + " " +
"" + "Unprofessional Conduct:" + "" + " This is a term used to described" + " " +
"conduct, acts or conditions that are considered by law to" + " " +
"be unprofessional in this state. (RCW 18.130.180)" + " " + " " +
"" + "Unlicensed Practice:" + "" + " This category applies to any circumstance" + " " +
"involving a person who doesn’t have a valid Washington credential" + " " +
"to practice a regulated health care profession. (RCW 18.130.190)" + " "
}
else if (html == submitComplaint)
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "How do I submit a written complaint?" + "" + " " +
"Anyone may report knowledge of professional misconduct by" + " " +
"contacting the Department of Health to obtain the necessary" + " " +
"forms. You may call (360) 236-4700 to discuss the" + " " +
"circumstances. You will be encouraged to submit your" + " " +
"complaint in writing." + " " + " " +
"Written reports can be made by completing and returning the" + " " +
"Complaint Form by mail, fax or email. Address information is" + " " +
"on the Complaint Form. Important information is" + " " +
"provided on the form and anyone submitting a complaint is" + " " +
"encouraged to read all portions of the form. Once the" + " " +
"complaint is received, you can expect to receive written" + " " +
"confirmation from a Department of Health representative." + " "
}
else if (html == callWho)
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "If I have questions, who do I call?" + "" + " " + " " +
"º If your complaint involves a regulated health care provider," + " " +
" please contact:" + " " +
" Department of Health" + " " +
" Health Professions Quality Assurance" + " " +
" at (360) 236-4700" +
" " + " " +
" º If your complaint involves a health care facility, please" + " " +
" contact:" + " " +
" Department of Health" + " " +
" Facilities & Services Licensing" + " " +
" at 1-800-633-6828" +
" " + " " +
" º If your complaint involves an adult family home or assisted" + " " +
" living facility, please contact:" + " " +
" Department of Social and Health Services:" + " " +
" Aging & Adult Services/Home & Community Services" + " " +
" at 1-800-562-6078" +
" " + " " +
" º If your complaint relates to the processing of your Labor" + " " +
" and Industries claim, please contact:" + " " +
" Department of Labor & Industries" + " " +
" Consumer Affairs Office at 1-800-547-8367" +
" "
}
else if (html == complaintFAQ)
displaymenu();
else
alert("error in java script!!!");
//set the selected choice to a #fffafa color
which.style.background='#add8e6';
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : displaymenu
//
//drop down menu call change function to display text messages.
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function displaymenu()
{
description.innerHTML=
" " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : change
//
//drop down menu based on selection display text.
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function change()
{
selected=document.dropdownnav.drop.selectedIndex;
val=document.dropdownnav.drop[selected].value;
if (val == 1)
faq1();
else if (val == 2)
faq2();
else if (val == 3)
faq3();
else if (val == 4)
faq4();
else if (val == 5)
faq5();
else if (val == 6)
faq6();
else if (val == 7)
faq7();
else if (val == 8)
faq8();
else if (val == 9)
faq9();
else if (val == 10)
faq10();
else if (val == 11)
faq11();
else if (val ==12)
faq12();
else if (val == 13)
faq13();
else if (val == 14)
faq14();
else if (val == 15)
faq15();
else if (val == 16)
faq16();
else
alert("error" + val);
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq1()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 1
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq1()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "What are examples of things the Department and boards cannot do?" + "" + " " +
"º Help you bring suit against a health care provider for money" + " " +
"º Handle a fee dispute between you and your health care provider" + " " +
"º Discipline health care providers who are not required to be" + " " +
" regulated by the Department of Health" + " " +
"º Get money back that you feel is owed to you" + " " +
"º Resolve questions about disability compensation or insurance" + " " +
" reimbursement" + " " +
"º Resolve issues involving rudeness by a health care provider or" + " " +
" their staff" + " " +
"º Resolve issues involving typing errors, miscommunication, or a" + " " +
" mistake of facts" + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq2()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 2
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq2()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "Who do I contact if I disagree with my billing statement?" + "" + " " +
"Contact your health care provider. The Department and boards" + " " +
"do not handle billing disputes unless fraud appears to be involved." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq3()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 3
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq3()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "My health care provider is rude. Is there anything I can do about it?" + "" + " " +
"Manners and personal style are as varied as health care providers," + " " +
"but rudeness is not a violation of the law. However, actions that" + " " +
"mislead, harm or are of a sexual nature are considered to be" + " " +
"unprofessional conduct and should be reported to the Department of" + " " +
"Health. If you are simply not comfortable with your health care" + " " +
"provider, another option may be to find a health care provider" + " " +
"more suitable for you." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq4()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 4
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq4()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "Do I have to be the patient in order to file a complaint?" + "" + " " +
"Anyone who has knowledge of a health care provider’s unprofessional" + " " +
"conduct may file a report." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq5()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 5
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq5()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "What part will I play after filing a complaint?" + "" + " " +
"Additional information may be asked of you, either by letter or" + " " +
"interview. You may be asked to sign a release form waiving your" + " " +
"right to confidentiality for the sole purpose of investigating your" + " " +
"complaint. You may be required to testify if a formal" + " " +
"hearing is necessary." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq6()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 6
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq6()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "How long will it take to resolve my complaint?" + "" + " " +
"The time will vary depending on the nature of the complaint and the" + " " +
"complexity of the case. Patience is needed when dealing with the" + " " +
"many legal and medical issues involved. Cases may take as little" + " " +
"as a few weeks or, in some cases, as long as two years." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq7()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 7
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq7()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "Can I be sued for filing a report?" + "" + " " +
"A person who files a complaint or reports acts of unprofessional" + " " +
"conduct in good faith is immune from suit in any civil action related" + " " +
"to the filing or contents of the complaint." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq8()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 8
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq8()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "Is there a time limit to file a complaint?" + "" + " " +
"There is no statutory time limit in which to file a complaint; however," + " " +
"it is possible that a case cannot be acted upon because the information" + " " +
"needed to make a decision is no longer available. It is best to report" + " " +
"as soon as possible so the records can be obtained and potential" + " " +
"witnesses can be located. It is a good idea to make a written note of" + " " +
"the circumstances soon after the experience so facts are not forgotten." + " " +
"When submitting a complaint, be as specific as you can with the facts" + " " +
"and dates." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq9()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 9
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq9()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "Should I file a malpractice suit or just report a health care provider?" + "" + " " +
"This is a decision that you, the patient, must make. You may seek legal" + " " +
"advice and file a report with the Department of Health at the same time." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq10()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 10
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq10()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "Can I make a complaint without giving my name?" + "" + " " +
"Complaints that do not include the name of the person involved are very" + " " +
"difficult to investigate. As a complainant, your name will not be" + " " +
"disclosed to anyone without your permission, but your consent may be" + " " +
"necessary if your medical records are needed for the investigation." + " " +
"In that event, you would be asked to complete a release form and would" + " " +
"be given the necessary information to make a decision. The names of" + " " +
"complainants and patients are not released to the public." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq11()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 11
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq11()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "If I file a complaint against a health care provider and it" + " " +
"results in the health care provider being disciplined, what" + " " +
"kind of compensation can I get from the board, the Department" + " " +
"of Health or the individual?" + "" + " " +
"Under some circumstances, the department or board can require a health" + " " +
"care provider to refund fees collected from the consumer. However," + " " +
"neither the Department of Health nor the board has jurisdiction in" + " " +
"matters of malpractice compensation. That type of compensation must" + " " +
"be pursued in civil court." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq12()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 12
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq12()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "Can the board send a health care provider to jail?" + "" + " " +
"No, neither the Department nor the board has the authority to invoke" + " " +
"or enforce criminal or civil penalties. Authority is limited to" + " " +
"taking corrective action against a health care provider’s credential" + " " +
"to prevent harm to patients." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq13()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 13
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq13()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "My health care provider told me that they don’t want me as" + " " +
"a patient anymore. Can they do that?" + "" + " " +
"As long as you do not have an acute problem where a lack of immediate" + " " +
"follow-up would be dangerous to your health, health care providers can" + " " +
"end the relationship." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq14()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 14
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq14()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "What happens if the health care provider doesn’t respond to" + " " +
"the Department of Health about my complaint?" + "" + " " +
"Failing to cooperate with an investigation is a violation of the law." + " " +
"The Department and boards can discipline a provider for not responding." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq15()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 15
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq15()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "Can a health care provider refuse to give me copies of my" + " " +
"medical records because of an outstanding balance?" + "" + " " +
"A health care provider may charge a copying fee before the records are" + " " +
"released, but cannot withhold records because of an outstanding balance" + " " +
"on your account." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : faq16()
//
//diplay Frequently ask question text 16
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function faq16()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "How do I find out how my complaint is progressing?" + "" + " " +
"You will not be given the details of an ongoing investigation, but you" + " " +
"can call to receive an update on the general status of your complaint." + " " +
"The Department has set limits as to how long a complaint can take in" + " " +
"each step of the disciplinary process. However, please" + " " +
"remember that due to the legal and medical issues involved, the" + " " +
"disciplinary process can be lengthy and your patience is appreciated." + " " + " " +
""
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : movein
//
//change background color to yellowish
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function movein(which,html)
{
// which.style.background='#fffaaf'
}
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : moveout
//
//change background color to gray
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function moveout(which)
{
// which.style.background='#cccccc'
}
//--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
// function : pre_choices
//
//default description when page is first loaded
//
//Don T Quach (MrFreeze) January 15, 2002
//---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
function pre_choices()
{
description.innerHTML=
"" + "Who are the decision-makers?" + "" + " " +
"The Secretary of the Department of Health and 16 boards" + " " +
"and commissions (boards) are authorized by the legislature" + " " +
"to discipline health care providers who violate the law." + " " +
"The boards work in partnership with the Health Professions" + " " +
"Quality Assurance Office within the Department of Health" + " " +
"(Department) to develop a uniform process for receiving," + " " +
"investigating and determining appropriate discipline for" + " " +
"health care providers." + " " + " " +
"Disciplinary action can only be taken against health care" + " " +
"providers who are required by law to be licensed, certified" + " " +
"or registered with the Department of Health." + " "
//set the selected choice to a #fffafa color
document.getElementById('choice1').style.background='#add8e6';
}