Anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination or retaliation due to the actions of the Department of Health (DOH), or its employees or providers, may file a complaint with the Civil Rights & ADA Program within 180 days of the incident. If the complaint is outside this timeframe, individuals may still contact Javier Ruiz (Civil Rights & ADA Program Manager) for guidance.
Submitting a Complaint
Complaints may be submitted in writing using the complaint form (PDF), via email, mail, in person, or via phone. DOH will make reasonable efforts to assist individuals with disabilities, non-English speakers, and others who face challenges in filing a complaint.
When writing a complaint, it is helpful to include the following information:
- Name, address, phone number, and email
- A description of conduct or incident and the date it occurred
- An explanation of why you believe unlawful discrimination has taken place, including why you believe the conduct or incident was related to a protected class
- A description of the actions you believe DOH could take to resolve the problem
You may use DOH’s complaint form (PDF), which is designed to help you provide the information DOH needs to evaluate your complaint.
Washington State Department of Health Civil Rights & ADA Program
PO Box 47890 | Olympia, WA 98504-47890
(833) 428-3703 | Civil.Rights@doh.wa.gov
Complaint Process
Once a complaint is received, a staff member from the Civil Rights & ADA Program will reach out to the complainant within 15 calendar days to discuss the issue. Before opening an investigation, the Civil Rights & ADA Program will review the complaint to determine whether it falls within its scope and authority. If the Civil Rights & ADA Program opens an investigation, it will review all relevant evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with necessary experts to determine the appropriate course of action and potential resolutions. The outcome of the investigation will be provided in writing, including a summary of the findings, a determination of whether discrimination occurred, and any proposed remedies, if applicable.
Informal Resolution
At any time, the Civil Rights & ADA Program may attempt to resolve the complaint through conciliation and a mutually agreeable solution. This informal resolution process does not limit or deny a complainant’s right to continue with their formal complaint with the DOH Civil Rights & ADA Program or any external enforcement agency.
Complaint Handling Timeline
Discrimination and retaliation complaints are typically resolved within 90 days of being filed. If additional time is required, Civil Rights & ADA Program staff will notify the complainant in writing.
Additional Complaint Options
If the department's response does not resolve the issue to the complainant's satisfaction, they will be informed of their right to file a complaint with other relevant agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the Washington State Human Rights Commission.
Retaliation
The Civil Rights & ADA Program will also review complaints alleging retaliation, in which an individual experienced a negative consequence or adverse action by DOH, or its employees or providers, as a result of participating in a protected activity. A protected activity may include, for example, filing a discrimination complaint, participating in an investigation, or asserting one’s rights under civil rights law.
Complaint Resolution
Finally, the Civil Rights & ADA Program will oversee the resolution process to ensure that any agreed-upon actions are carried out within the designated timeframes.