The Alaska State Ombudsman recently concluded an investigation of a complaint from a licensed foster parent about the way the Office of Children’s Services changed the placement of a toddler in foster care. The Ombudsman investigated whether OCS abused its discretion in deciding to move the child from the complainant’s home to another foster home. The Ombudsman also investigated how OCS participated in the writing of court documents opposing the foster parent’s request for a placement review hearing. Read the public report here.
Ombudsman Releases Reports on Investigations of Division of Mining, Land, & Water
The Alaska State Ombudsman has released public reports related to the investigation of two complaints about the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land, and Water. The first complaint (A2017-0619) involved the Division’s requirement that some aquatic farm leaseholders carry commercial liability insurance. The second complaint (J2018-0547) involved the Division’s public notice and comment process related to the designation of materials sites, and the subsequent sale of materials from those sites. Read the full reports:
Summer 2019 Newsletter
Read about the Alaska State Ombudsman’s case management system improvements, Anchorage home, and a report on our grievance process in our Summer 2019 Newsletter.
New Online Complaint Portal Opens
We have a new, easy-to-use complaint portal that allows Alaskans to make a complaint any time, 24/7, to the Ombudsman. This online complaint portal is part of an improved case management system being implemented to manage complaints and investigations. You can also make complaints in person at our Juneau or Anchorage office, by phone at 907.269.5290, or by mail.
Anchorage Office Closed May 23-28, 2019
We are excited to announce that we are moving into our permanent offices in the Legislative Office Building in Anchorage. We will be closed Thursday, May 23 through Tuesday May 28 while we move and get settled in the new space, which was designed to increase accessibility and security for visitors and staff.
Ombudsman Releases 2018 Annual Report
The Alaska State Ombudsman received 1,855 requests for information or assistance with complaints in 2018. We opened 1,327 jurisdictional complaints for review. We helped resolve 426 complaints informally with state agencies and complainants, and completed 46 formal investigations. Read more about our services and outcomes in the 2018 Annual Report.
Ombudsman Investigates Patient Safety at Alaska Psychiatric Institute
Alaska State Ombudsman Kate Burkhart has concluded an investigation of three allegations related to patient safety and use of seclusion and restraint at Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API). The Ombudsman made eleven recommendations to the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and API to address the problems investigated.
Between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018, the Ombudsman received 42 complaints specifically about API. Nearly one-third of those complaints alleged maltreatment or neglect of patients. In December 2017, the Ombudsman received a complaint that a member of API staff had assaulted a patient. On June 20, 2018, the Ombudsman received a series of allegations about the way API staff were treating patients.
The Ombudsman initiated an investigation upon her own motion under AS 24.55.120 on June 20, 2018. The Ombudsman investigated three allegations:
- API does not take reasonable and necessary action to prevent and/or mitigate the risk of harm to patients from use of force by API staff.
- API does not take reasonable and necessary action to prevent and/or mitigate the risk of harm to patients due to violence by other patients.
- API does not consistently comply with AS 47.30.825(d) or 42 CFR §482.13(e) in the use of seclusion and restraint.
Based on a preponderance of the evidence collected in the course of the investigation, along with the surveys by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the workplace safety investigation by attorney Bill Evans, the Ombudsman found all three allegations are justified. The Ombudsman made recommendations for improvements in API operations to prevent violence toward patients and reduce the use of seclusion and restraint.
Read the executive summary of the report here.
Read the full public report of the investigation, findings, and recommendations here.
Outreach to Alaska’s Libraries
The Alaska State Ombudsman began partnering with libraries around the state in 2018, because libraries are where many people go for information, internet connection, and assistance. We connected with librarians and other library staff at the Alaska State Library Association (AKLA) Conference in Juneau this month. By providing our information and resources to local libraries, we hope to connect with more Alaskans and provide access to ombuds services when they have problems or complaints about state government. It’s also a great opportunity to meet folks from all over Alaska and talk about how the Ombudsman serves our communities.
Intake Assistant Richard Radford shares info and resources at AKLA Conference 2019
Ombudsman Investigates Parks Law Enforcement Policy
The Alaska State Ombudsman has concluded the investigation of a citizen complaint about how the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, within the Department of Natural Resources, investigated a crime reported on state park lands. The Ombudsman found that, while the park ranger had investigated the crime according to the training and direction given by the Division, that did not align with the express law enforcement policy adopted by the agency. The Ombudsman recommended that the Division update the law enforcement policy to better reflect the demands and expectations of park rangers as peace officers.
Read the press release.