What should I do if I have a compaint about my hospital?

If you're having a problem with your hospital, the first step is to contact the hospital's "patient complaint coordinator". People in this position are very knowledgeable about their hospital's practices and procedures and can often help you resolve problems.

If you want to take further action, you might contact a representative of your health plan. Health plans want you to be happy with the care you are getting under their coverage and are often willing to help you solve any problems you may be experiencing.

You can also contact The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The Joint Commission, along with the California Medical Association, conducts onsite surveys of accredited hospitals to be sure that they are providing quality care. Ask the Joint Commission to investigate your complaint. You can call them at (630) 792-5000.

The government agency responsible for licensing and regulating hospitals is the California Department of Health Services (DHS). To file a complaint, you need to contact the district office in the area where the hospital is located. You can call the Sacramento office of the DHS to find out how to contact the district: (916) 445-2070. Tell them you want to lodge a complaint against your hospital.

Joint Commission on Accreditation
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
Office of Quality Monitoring
One Renaissance Blvd.
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
(630) 792-5000
Toll-free number: 1-800-994-6610
Fax: (630) 792-5636
E-mail: complaint@jcaho.org
www.jcaho.org

California Department of Health Services (DHS)