PURPOSE: This rule establishes a procedure for the receipt, handling, and disposition of requests for information and complaints.

1. (1) All complaints shall be made in writing addressed to the Missouri Acupuncture Advisory Committee, 3605 Missouri Boulevard, PO Box 1335, Jefferson City, MO 65102 and fully identify the complainant by name and address. Verbal or telephone communications will not be considered or processed as complaints. The person making these communications will be asked to file a written statement. No member of the Advisory Committee for Acupuncturists may file a complaint with the advisory committee while holding that office, unless that member is excused from further advisory committee deliberation or activity concerning the matters alleged within that complaint. Any division staff member or the advisory committee may file a complaint pursuant to this rule in the same manner as any member of the public.
2. (2) Upon receipt of a complaint in proper form, the board or advisory committee may investigate the actions of the licensee, applicant, registrant, or unlicensed individual or entity against whom the complaint is made. Each complaint received under this rule shall be acknowledged in writing and the complainant be notified of the ultimate disposition of the complaint.
3. (3) The advisory committee will maintain each complaint received under this rule. The complaint file will contain a record of each complainant’s name and address; subject(s) of the complaint; the date each complaint is received by the advisory committee; a brief statement of the complaint, including the name of any person injured or victimized by the alleged acts or practices; and the ultimate disposition of the complaint.

AUTHORITY: sections 324.481, 324.496, and 324.499, RSMo 2016.* This rule originally filed as 4 CSR 15-1.010. Original rule filed July 24, 2001, effective Feb. 28, 2002. Moved to 20 CSR 2015-1.010, effective Aug. 28, 2006. Amended: Filed May 30, 2018, effective Dec. 30, 2018. *Original authority: 324.481, RSMo 1998, amended 1999, 2009; 324.496, RSMo 1988, amended 1999; and 324.499, RSMo 1998.