(a) A grievance regarding the performance of functions of the Ombudsman Program by the State Ombudsman is addressed in accordance with this subsection.
  (1) A grievance about the State Ombudsman that is not related to fraud, waste, or abuse must be submitted to the Director of the Office of the Ombudsman.
  (2) A grievance about the State Ombudsman related to fraud, waste, or abuse must be submitted to the Office of the Inspector General.
(b) A grievance regarding the performance of functions of the Ombudsman Program by a representative of the Office who is an employee or volunteer of HHSC is addressed in accordance with this subsection.
  (1) The State Ombudsman:
    (A) ensures that a grievance may be submitted:
      (i) in writing, in person, or by telephone; and
      (ii) anonymously;
    (B) requests, but does not require disclosure of, the name and contact information of a grievant;
    (C) documents the nature of the grievance in detail;
    (D) documents the name of persons contacted during the investigation; and
    (E) within 30 days after receiving the grievance:
      (i) notifies the representative of the Office who is the subject of the grievance that a grievance was submitted;
      (ii) investigates the grievance; and
      (iii) develops and submits a response to the grievant, including actions to be taken, if any.
  (2) The State Ombudsman submits a grievance about a representative of the Office who is an employee or volunteer of HHSC related to fraud, waste, or abuse to the Office of the Inspector General.

Source Note: The provisions of this §88.602 adopted to be effective May 22, 2024, 49 TexReg 3566