Quality & Compliance
Arc of Onondaga’s Quality & Compliance department ensures that the programs and services provided to the individuals supported are of the highest caliber and are provided in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Quality & Compliance provides the following services in support of Arc’s mission:
Quality Matters
Arc of Onondaga is committed to providing high-quality services with the highest degree of integrity. If you have a suggestion, idea, comment, concern or question about improving the quality of services at Arc of Onondaga, please contact Donna Loveland, Chief Compliance and Quality Officer at 315-476-7441 or e-mail her at DLoveland@arcon.org
To read Arc of Onondaga’s Quality Improvement Plan click here
Incident Reviews
All incidents and allegations at Arc of Onondaga are investigated thoroughly by the Quality and Compliance staff. All incidents are reviewed and tracked, ensuring that every individual supported by Arc resides in a safe and healthy environment.
The Office of People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) “Learning About Incidents” brochure describes the incident review process, types of incidents, whom is notified and how an incident is investigated.
Effective June 30, 2013, the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs became operational and provides oversight to certain programs within OPWDD, including many Arc of Onondaga programs. The Justice Center is committed to supporting and protecting the health, safety, and dignity of all people with special needs and disabilities through advocacy of their civil rights, prevention of mistreatment, and investigation of all allegations of abuse and neglect so that appropriate actions are taken. Information regarding the Justice Center can be found on their website at http://www.justicecenter.ny.gov To report abuse, the Justice Center Hotline is 1-855-373-2122.
Information regarding the 624 and 625 Incident Management Regulations can also be found on the OPWDD website: http://www.opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_resources/incident_management/home
Training
Arc of Onondaga is committed to providing the best care possible to the individuals it supports and their families. Education and training are critical components in ensuring that all staff are prepared to complete their job responsibilities and provide supports and services in the manner expected.
HIPAA
Arc of Onondaga’s Quality Assurance Department ensures that our agency strictly adheres to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, also known as the HIPAA. Our privacy policies protect the confidentiality of health information for all of the people we serve.
Corporate Compliance
Arc of Onondaga’s Corporate Compliance program ensures that Arc of Onondaga follows all appropriate federal, state and local guidelines, as well as the highest of ethical standards. The program ensures adherence to Arc policies, including conflict of interest standards and a system to encourage reporting of violations of law and/or policies and procedures.
Non-Retaliation / Non-Intimidation Whistleblower Policy
Arc of Onondaga recognizes that a critical aspect of the compliance program is the establishment of a culture that promotes prevention, detection, and resolution of instances of conduct that do not conform to federal and state requirements, as well as the agency’s ethical and business policies. To promote this culture, the agency has established a compliance reporting process and a strict whistleblower/non-retaliation/non-intimidation policy to protect employees, directors, volunteers and others who report problems and concerns in good faith from retaliation. Any form of retaliation or retribution can undermine the compliance resolution process and result in a failure of communication channels in the organization.
All reports are treated with respect and may be made anonymously. No one will retaliate against any person make a report in good faith.
Click here to see the Corporate Compliance Policies
Click here to read Arc’s Code of Conduct
Internal Audits
All of Arc’s programs receive checks by Arc of Onondaga’s Quality & Compliance Assurance department to ensure the integrity of the level of care provided and that all standards, policies and applicable laws are being followed.
Non-Discrimination Notice
Arc of Onondaga complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.