Should you wish to go beyond lodging a complaint and formally file a grievance, you may do so with the Executive Director.  In such matters, below is the policy by which LCDHD will comply.

Policy: The Lake Cumberland District Health Department shall promptly and equitably resolve any complaints alleging discrimination, unfair, or inappropriate treatment of any member of the public for any reason including discrimination because of ethnicity, mental status, or sexual orientation.

Procedures:

1. The following elements shall be included in the grievance process:

a. A list of three employees to coordinate the grievance process shall be kept on file in the office of the Appointing Authority. (Same as WIC Hearing Committee)
b. Complaints may be written, verbal, or anonymous. Non-anonymous complaints shall contain the name and address of the person filing the complaint. The following information shall be obtained on all complaints:

(a) the date(s) the alleged incident occurred,
(b) the location at which the incident occurred,
(c) the employee or contracted agent against which the complaint is filed, and
(d) a description of the alleged incident.

c. A complaint shall be filed within 60 days of the alleged incident (exception: Civil Rights and ADA grievances allow 180 days) after the complainant becomes aware of the alleged violation.
d. The grievance committee shall conduct an investigation following a complaint. All affected parties shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to submit evidence or testimony relevant to the complaint.
e. A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution shall be issued by the grievance committee and a copy forwarded to the complainant and the health department director no later than 45 calendar days after filing of the complaint.
f. The grievance committee shall maintain the files and records of the local health department relating to complaints filed.
g. The complainant can request a reconsideration of the case in instances in which he or she is dissatisfied with the resolution. The request for reconsideration shall be made within 30 calendar days to the local health department appointing authority.
h. The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint shall not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of a complaint with the responsible state, federal agency, or board of health. Use of an internal grievance procedure shall not be prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.