All complaints will be investigated and treated seriously. DDS are required to investigate all claimant complaints and take appropriate action per their State procedures, and notify Disability Adjudication (DA) as appropriate.

References:

PM 00233.005 Consultative Examination (CE) Oversight Procedures and

PM 00233.900 Guide for Evaluating Disability Determination Service (DDS) Management of the Consultative Examination (CE) Process

The complaint should be written, preferably signed by the claimant, except in rare instances. Claimant complaints may be further defined as follows:

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  Rudeness and unprofessional manner/attitude.

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  Environmental factors (uncleanliness, poor accessibility, and lack of proper facilities).

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  Other complaints of a non-egregious nature.

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  Any allegation of an egregious nature which could include illegal/criminal activity, sexual harassment, cultural insensitivity, allegations compromising the health and safety of claimants, or other serious allegations.