The Corporate Compliance & Quality Assurance Department at The Arc of Oswego County ensures that the programs and services provided to the individuals are of quality and are provided in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Refer to the Department of Labor Notice of Employee Rights for Whistleblowers (Notice 740)
Quality Assurance provides the following services in support of The Arc’s mission:
Training
The Arc of Oswego County strives to provide the best care possible to the individuals it supports. Regular staff education and training are critical components in ensuring that our employees are prepared to complete their job responsibilities and provide support and services in the manner expected.
Corporate Compliance
The Arc of Oswego County is committed to providing quality services, maintaining fiscal stability, and conducting business in a manner that promotes compliance with all laws and regulations that govern the services we provide. In order to do this, we need to maintain transparency, accountability, and effective communication with all stakeholders. We emphasize that all staff, vendors, Board members, contractors, program participants, and others associated with The Arc of Oswego County play an important role in ensuring a culture of honesty and integrity. The Corporate Compliance Officer ensures reports are handled confidentially and investigates potential compliance violations. The Corporate Compliance Committee meets routinely to review the activities of the Compliance Department and ensure any appropriate corrective actions have been taken when necessary.
The prompt reporting of a corporate compliance concern by employees and others associated with The Arc of Oswego County is important so that we can take action. There are a variety of options for reporting a known or suspected Corporate Compliance violation, including:
- Contacting the Corporate Compliance Officer at 315-856-8164 or via email
- Reporting to the Corporate Compliance Hotline at 315-887-5950 (anonymous option)
- Completing an Online Submission form by clicking here
A copy of our compliance plan is available upon request
HIPAA
The Arc of Oswego County is committed to preserving the privacy of the personal health information (PHI) of every individual who receives our services. The Arc of Oswego County’s Quality Assurance and Corporate Compliance Department ensures that our agency strictly adheres to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Our privacy policies protect the confidentiality of health information for all of the people we serve. Our Notice of Privacy Practices explains the rights of the persons we serve and our obligations under the law. Although we may revise our Notice from time to time, any revision will apply to all records that we have created or maintained in the past, and to any records that we may create or maintain in the future.
Incident Management
All Reportable Incidents and Notable Occurrences in programs certified/funded by OPWDD at The Arc of Oswego are reported and thoroughly investigated in accordance with 14 NYCRR Part 624 Regulations. We are committed to ensuring that appropriate corrective action has been taken in order to minimize the potential for the recurrence of the same or similar situation.
The Protection for People with Special Needs Act was passed in December 2012 and established the NYS Justice Center. Since June 30, 2013, mandated reporters are required to report to the Vulnerable Persons Central Register (VPCR) if they have reasonable cause to suspect a Reportable Incident in a program certified, licensed, or operated by a number of State Oversight Agencies, including OPWDD. The phone number is 1-855-373-2122.
In addition, we also ensure the prompt reporting of certain events or situations that occur outside of our auspices, consistent with 14 NYCRR Part 625. The Arc of Oswego County intervenes by taking actions to protect the involved individual who receives services from the agency. Such actions include, but are not limited to: notifications to an appropriate party that may be in a position to address the event or situation; offering to make referrals to appropriate service providers; interviewing involved parties; assessing and monitoring the individual; reviewing records and other relevant documentation; and educating the individual about his or her choices and options regarding the matter. Incidents are reviewed and monitored by our Incident Review Committee.
Jonathan’s Law
Jonathan’s Law, enacted May 5, 2007, requires a more extensive notification and disclosure process for all Reportable Incidents & Notable Occurrences to a “Qualified Party” (i.e. guardian, parent, spouse, adult child, or adult sibling). The notification and disclosure requirements apply to events or situations which occur under the auspices of the agency and must be by telephone or in person, within 24 hours of incident occurrence or discovery.
The agency will complete and send out a “Report on Actions Taken” to address the incident within 10 days of incident occurrence or discovery. This report will inform the receiving party of what actions the agency has taken to protect the individual and address the situation.
The “Qualified Party” may request (a) Meeting with a QA Representative to discuss the incident and (b) Redacted copy of the incident report. A redacted copy means that all names, locations, and other identifying information are removed to maintain confidentiality. This will be done within 10 days of receipt of the written request.
Lastly, a “Qualifying Party” may request (c) a Redacted copy of the investigation. This applies to Reportable (Abuse/Neglect) cases only and will be mailed out within 21 days of case closure by the agency’s Incident Review Committee. It is the policy of The Arc of Oswego County to ensure all of the Jonathan’s Law requirements are met as per the time frames outlined above.
All requests must be in writing via the completion of this form.
Related Resources
- The Arc of Oswego County’s Due Process and Grievance Policy.
- The Arc of Oswego County’s Incident Management Policies and Procedures, in accordance with OPWDD’s regulatory requirements.
- Notice of Employee Protections Against Retaliation from the Department of Labor
- OPWDD’s “Learning About Incidents” – This provides an overview of OPWDD’s expectations regarding incidents and explains the roles of qualified persons and other involved parties in advocating on behalf of the people we serve.
- OPWDD’s 624 and 625 Regulations – In addition, there are a number of guidance documents on OPWDD’s Incident Management Page. You may also access 14 NYCRR 624 and 625 Regulations by viewing the New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations.
- Notice to Mandated Reporters – Developed by the NYS Justice Center
- Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs – This document was developed by the Justice Center and sets forth a framework intended to assist impacted employees to help people with special needs lives self-directed, meaningful lives in their communities, free from abuse and neglect, and protected from harm.
*If you would like a hard copy of The Arc of Oswego County’s Incident Management policies or procedures and/or a copy of Part 624 regulations, please contact the Corporate Compliance Officer at 315-598-3108.