33.06 - Reports of abuse or mistreatment.
* § 33.06 Reports of abuse or mistreatment. The commissioner of the office of mental health and the commissioner of the office of mental retardation and developmental disabilities shall establish procedures or mechanisms to receive allegations or complaints of abuse or mistreatment of individuals served by agencies and providers licensed or operated by the offices, including receipt of anonymous allegations or complaints. Such mechanisms shall include the operation of a toll-free number. Allegations or complaints received shall be evaluated and, if necessary, referred for appropriate corrective action, consistent with laws, regulations and procedures established for the investigation, resolution and response to incident reports to ensure the care and safety of all patients. The inability of the person reporting the abuse to identify the alleged perpetrator shall, in no circumstance, constitute the sole cause to reject such allegation for investigation or fail to refer such allegation for corrective action. When an allegation of abuse or maltreatment of a child is made, the allegation shall be referred to the statewide central register of child abuse and maltreatment, established pursuant to section four hundred twenty-two of the social services law. * NB Effective January 11, 2011