Office of Health Care Ombudsman and Bill of Rights

Office of Health Care Ombudsman and Bill of Rights

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Office of Health Care Ombudsman and Bill of Rights is to ensure the safety and well being of District consumers’ health care services through advocacy, education and community outreach.

Vision Statement

Responsiveness – Demonstrate tenaciousness in investigating and resolving all issues.
Confidentiality – Maintain the utmost level of privacy and confidentiality.
Commitment – Remain faithful and dedicated to the mission of the Code of Ethics of the International Ombudsman Association.
Respect of Diversity – Relate and communicate in all situations in responsive and comfortable manner to a diverse population.
Integrity – Perform responsibilities with honesty, sincerity, and courtesy of the highest quality of ethical and professional conduct.

Code of Ethics

Independence – The Health Care Ombudsman is independent in structure, function, and appearance to the highest degree possible within the organization;
Neutrality and Impartiality – The Health Care Ombudsman, as a designated neutral, remains unaligned and impartial. The Health Care Ombudsman does not engage in any situation which could create a conflict of interest;
Confidentiality – The Health Care Ombudsman holds all communications with those seeking assistance in strict confidence, and does not disclose confidential communications unless given permission to do so. The only exception to this privilege of confidentiality is where there appears to be imminent risk of serious harm; and
Informality – The Health Care Ombudsman, as an informal resource, does not participate in any formal adjudicative or administrative procedures related to concerns brought to his/her attention.

*Member - International Ombudsman Association