<p> THE PATIENT ADVOCATE (732) 235-4484</p><p>WHAT IS A PATIENT ADVOCATE? A patient advocate investigates reported complaints, reports findings and helps achieve equitable settlements. At UBHC the job of the patient advocate is to represent the point of view of the patients to the organization.</p><p>WHEN DO I REFER A PATIENTTOT HE PATIENT ADVOCATE? Staff should always make an attempt to resolve complaints at the most immediate level, i.e. by the staff person receiving the complaint. Not all complaints need to be referred to the patient advocate! If the most immediate person is not able to resolve the complaint, he/she should refer the client to a supervisor. The client may then be referred to a clinician administrator, Medical Director, or Level of Care Vice President. If a complaint has not been resolved on the administrative level the client may be told he/she has the right to contact the patient advocate.</p><p>IS THE CLIENT REQUIRED TO GO THROUGH ALL THESE LEVELS BEFORE HE/SHEMAY GO TOT THE PATIENT ADVOCATE? No. The client may contact the patient advocate at any time he/she chooses and should be advised of that fact.</p><p>HOW DO CLIENTS KNOW ABOUT THE PATIENT ADVOCATE? Information about the patient advocate is posted in all clinical areas both inpatient and outpatient.</p><p>WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PATIENT ADVOCATE IS NOT AVAILABLE? The client may still call the patient advocate’s telephone number and he/she will be referred to an appropriate person, or will be contacted on the patient advocate’s return.</p><p>DOES THE PATIENT HAVE ANY RESOURSE IF NOT SATISFIED BY THE PATIENT ADVOCATE? Yes, At any time in the process the client may contact the President and CEO of UBHC, any state licensing or accrediting authority.</p>