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Complaint Process for the Health Care Interpreter Program

Welcome to the Health Care Interpreter (HCI) Program's complaint process, designed to uphold high standards of professionalism and conduct among credentialed HCIs. If you have concerns about the behavior or actions of an HCI, here's a guide to help you navigate the process.

HCI Program Oversight and Responsibility

The Health Care Interpreter Program, operating under Oregon laws (ORS) Chapter 413 and Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 950-050, governs HCI credentialing and conduct in the state. This program ensures compliance with professional and ethical standards, investigating complaints related to credentialed HCIs. For concerns not directly related to a credentialed HCI, refer to the table at the bottom of this page for information on other oversight entities and how to submit a complaint

Filing a Complaint or Concern about an HCI

To submit a written complaint regarding unethical behavior or violations of program requirements by an HCI, follow these steps:
  1.  Download the complaint form.
  2. Complete the form following the provided directions.
  3. Submit the completed form to:
  • OHA Equity and Inclusion Division
    Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights Manager
    421 S.W. Oak St., Suite 750
    Portland, OR 97204
    Fax: 971-673-1128
    Email: HCI.Complaints@oha.oregon.gov

Guidelines for Filing:

  • Provide detailed descriptions of alleged violations.
  • Include supporting evidence or records.
  • Retain copies of all submitted correspondence for your records.

Investigation and Resolution

Once a complaint is filed, the Civil Rights Unit at OHA conducts a thorough investigation, aiming for a fair, comprehensive, and timely resolution. While some complaints may take several months to resolve due to complexity and resource availability, the program is committed to ensuring a just outcome.

Complaints or Concerns about Individuals or Agencies who are not HCIs

In 2021, the Oregon Legislature, through HB 2359, assigned some responsibility for enforcing Oregon's health care interpreting requirements to licensing and certification boards (oversight entities). For health care interpreting complaints about health care providers and agencies they oversee, refer to the table below for relevant oversight entities, the types of providers each oversees, and where to file a complaint.

Individuals or Agencies
Chiropractors

Where to File a Complaint
Chiropractor Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) and Oregon Health Plan (OHP)/Medicaid Providers

Where to File a Complaint
Medicaid/CCO/OHP Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Counselors; Therapists

Where to File a Complaint
LPC Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Death Care Professionals; Mortuaries; Cemeteries

Where to File a Complaint
Death Care Professional Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Dentists; Dental Hygienists; Dental Assistants

Where to File a Complaint
Dentist Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Dietitians

Where to File a Complaint
Dietitian Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Health care facilities and providers including Ambulatory Surgery Centers; Birthing Centers; Clinical Laboratories; Community Mental Health Centers; Home Health Agencies; Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers; Hospitals; FQHCs; Hospice Programs; Rural Health Clinics

Where to File a Complaint
Health Facility Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
State Board of Massage Therapists

Where to File a Complaint
Massage Therapist Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Medical Imaging Technologists; Radiation Therapists

Where to File a Complaint
Medical Imaging Provider Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Direct Entry Midwives

Where to File a Complaint
Direct Entry Midwife Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Naturopathic Doctors

Where to File a Complaint
Naturopath Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Nurses; Certified Nursing Assistants

Where to File a Complaint
Nurse Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Occupational Therapists; Occupational Therapist Assistants

Where to File a Complaint
Occupational Therapist Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Optometrists

Where to File a Complaint
Optometrist Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Pharmacists; Pharmacies

Where to File a Complaint
Pharmacy Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Physical Therapists; Physical Therapist Assistants

Where to File a Complaint
Physical Therapist Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Physicians; Physician Assistants; Podiatrists; Acupuncturists

Where to File a Complaint
Physician Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Psychologists

Where to File a Complaint
Psychologist Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Respiratory Therapists; Polysomnographic Technologists

Where to File a Complaint
Respiratory Therapist Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Social Workers

Where to File a Complaint
Social Worker Complaints

Individuals or Agencies
Speech Language Pathologists; Audiologists

Where to File a Complaint
Speech Language and Audiology Provider Complaints

Feel free to reach out to HCI.Complaints@oha.oregon.gov if you have any questions or need further assistance in navigating the complaint process. Your commitment to maintaining the highest standards contributes to the success of the HCI Program.