§ 12.026. PUBLIC INTEREST INFORMATION; COMPLAINTS. (a) The department shall prepare information of public interest describing the functions of the department and the department's procedures by which complaints are filed with and resolved by the department. The department shall make the information available to the public and appropriate state agencies. (b) The department by rule shall establish methods by which consumers and service recipients are notified of the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the department for the purpose of directing complaints to the department. The department may provide for that notification: (1) on each registration form, application, or written contract for services of an individual or entity regulated by the department; (2) on a sign prominently displayed in the place of business of each individual or entity regulated by the department; or (3) in a bill for service provided by an individual or entity regulated by the department. (c) The department shall keep an information file about each complaint filed with the department. The information shall include: (1) the date the complaint is received; (2) the name of the complainant; (3) the subject matter of the complaint; (4) a record of all persons contacted in relation to the complaint; (5) a summary of the results of the review or investigation of the complaint; and (6) for complaints for which the agency took no action, an explanation of the reason the complaint was closed without action. (d) The department shall keep a file about each written complaint filed with the department that the department has authority to resolve. The department shall provide to the person filing the complaint and the persons or entities complained about the department's policies and procedures pertaining to complaint investigation and resolution. The department, at least quarterly and until final disposition of the complaint, shall notify the person filing the complaint and the persons or entities complained about of the status of the complaint unless the notice would jeopardize an undercover investigation. Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 230, § 15, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 419, § 1.07, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

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Last modified: August 10, 2007