Ombudsman Program

What is an Ombudsman?

Who uses Ombudsman services?

The Ombudsman Program serves adults, children, teens and their families.

The program serves eight counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania:

How does the Ombudsman Program help consumerrs of Behavioral Health Services

• Provides managed care information
• Ensures understanding of rights
• Documents concerns
• Helps to solve problems and seek remedies
• Helps to resolve issues through complaint and grievance procedures

When should you contact an Ombudsman Program?

• To discuss concerns about treatment, care and services
• To get questions answered
• To obtain help filing a complaint with VBH-PA Member Services

How do you contact an Ombudsman?

the RIGHT to be treated with respect and dignity.

the RIGHT to privacy concerning medical records and conversations with people who give you care.

the RIGHT to choose providers from a (VBH-PA) providers list.

the RIGHT to receive services without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age or ethnic background.

the RIGHT to see your medical records and talk about them with your provider.

the RIGHT to make a complaint or file a grievance about your care or the services you receive without any type of punishment.

the RIGHT to take part in decisions about your care.

Participating members also have RESPONSIBILITIES, which are important to know to assure quality care. They are listed in the VBH-PA Handbook, available from VBH-PA.

The Ombudsman Program is funded through a contract with Value Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania (VBH-PA) and each county's Mental Health Association, all United Way Agencies.