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Calls to WPAS - Resource Advocates Provide Needed Information
by Annaliza Torres
June 20, 2002
The Resource Advocates are the folks who take phone calls from people who call WPAS for help. Below are some examples of some of those calls, and how the Resource Advocates provided the information and/or materials that the callers needed.
Rude and Abusive Behavior
An unsatisfied patient called from a behavioral health center as she was being discharged. She sought counseling services to help cope with her depression. Instead of receiving any counseling support, she was told to take medications. She reported that the staff were intimidating and physically rough. She also observed that other patients were not being given adequate care and attention. A Resource Advocate provided this caller with information about how to file a complaint, and where that complaint should be sent. The Resource Advocate told the caller that complaints could be filed on several levels - local, state, and federal. With this information, the caller has options to voice her concerns and the need for changes.
Appealing Reduction in Services
A caller contacted WPAS for information on how to respond to a Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) reduction of services letter. The Resource Advocate informed this caller of his right to appeal the decision and described the fair hearing process. The Advocate sent the caller information from the DSHS "EAZ" Manual and referred this caller to agencies who may be able to attend the fair hearing with him.
It is usually easier than you may think to appeal reductions in services from DSHS. Anyone with a disability who believes they are being unfairly cut off from services can call WPAS and ask for information about appeals. WPAS phone numbers are:
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