Confidentially discuss a conflict or concern and resolution options

UCLA Ombuds Services - CONFIDENTIAL

The Ombuds Office is an independent, impartial resource where anyone with UCLA-related concerns can explore potential options and resources in a confidential, informal setting. The Office can help resolve conflicts, disputes, or complaints. Exploration of options may lead to mediated discussions when appropriate. 

Note: Conversations with the Office do not constitute notice to the University. See reporting resources below to report an incident. 

WEBSITE

Ombuds

PHONE NUMBER

(310) 825-7627


Reporting trainee mistreatment - Mistreatment Incident Reporting Form - MIRF

MD Students, Graduate Students, Postdoctoral Scholars, and Residents and Fellows

The Medical Student Mistreatment Policy includes physical mistreatment, abusive expression, power abuse, psychological cruelty, sexual harassment, and discrimination. 

You can start by having a conversation with any or all of the following:

  • Individual(s) involved
  • Others such as the chief resident, attending physician, and/or clerkship/site director or course chair
  • Dean’s Office (Assistant Dean, Associate Dean, SAO, or leadership of Drew, PRIME or MSTP)

You can submit a report.

Reporting sexual violence, harassment, discrimination, and unprofessional behavior

The Civil Rights Office (“CRO”), which serves UCLA’s campus and the UCLA Health System, and is led by the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights. CRO ensures that UCLA remains in compliance with federal and state law and applicable UC policy concerning protections under Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and equal employment opportunity and affirmative action obligations. CRO is comprised of the following units:

The Discrimination Prevention Office (DPO) is responsible for assessing and investigating reports of discrimination or harassment based on race, ancestry, national origin, disability, religion, age, and other categories protected by law and University policy brought against academic personnel.

The Title IX Office (T9) is responsible for assessing and investigating reports of gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence brought against any member of the campus community.

The Staff Diversity & Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance Office (SD&C) is responsible for assessing and investigating reports of all forms of discrimination or harassment protected by law and University policy brought against staff.

The University prohibits retaliation against a person who reports sexual misconduct, assists someone with a report of sexual misconduct, or participates in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a sexual misconduct report.  Retaliation includes threats, intimidation, reprisals and/or adverse actions related to employment or education.  This prohibition protects all participants in the investigation process, including the complainant, the respondent and the witnesses. Any employee who engages in retaliation may be subject to discipline, including dismissal, in accordance with the applicable University disciplinary procedures.


Reporting an incident involving a student

Office of the Dean of Students

 

PHONE NUMBER

(310) 825-3871


Reporting an incident involving a staff member

Staff Diversity and Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Compliance Office (SD&C)

SD&C is a neutral and independent entity that investigates allegations of harassment and discrimination pertaining to any UCLA staff member. If you believe that you have been discriminated against or harassed based upon any protected category, you can file a complaint with SD&C. 

Protected categories include:

  • race
  • color
  •  national origin
  • religion
  • sex
  • gender
  • gender expression
  • gender identity
  • gender transition status
  • pregnancy
  • physical or mental disability
  • medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics)
  • genetic information (including family medical history)
  • ancestry
  • marital status
  • age
  • sexual orientation
  • citizenship
  • service in the uniformed services, including protected veterans

WEBSITE

SD&C

PHONE NUMBER

(310) 794-0691


Reporting an impaired staff member or physician

Employee and Labor Relations (ELR)

Contact the ELR to report an impaired staff member.

An impairment is defined as:

"Any condition or behavior, regardless of cause, which interferes with the Member's ability to function as normally expected. Impairment or compromise may exist in one or multiple domains, including, but not limited to, psychomotor activity and skills, conceptual or factual recall, abstract thought processes, judgment, attentiveness, demeanor, and attitudes as manifested in speech or actions. Major symptoms of impairment or compromise may include declining work performance as manifested by repeated behaviors including decreased concern for patient wellbeing, unavailability, missed appointments, unexplained absences, incomplete medical records, poorly communicated medical orders, and withdrawal from hospital or other professional activities. Additional indications may be lapses in judgment, inappropriate relationships, boundary violations, signs or behavior related to intoxication, self-medication, or utilization of controlled substances, or misuse of alcohol. Change in character or personality, bizarre or embarrassing behaviors, deteriorating personal hygiene, and mood swings are further accompaniments of impairment or compromise. Compromise can also include excessive unprofessionalism; as indicated by behaviors including but not limited to, failure to return pages, repeated reports of poor or disrespectful communication, and harassing or aggressive behavior."

WEBSITE

UCLA ELR

PHONE NUMBER

(310) 794-0500


Reporting a near-miss or adverse event associated with patient care or disruptive behavior - SOFI

UCLA Health Safety Opportunities for Improvement (SOFI)

SOFI is UCLA Health's event reporting system for near-miss and actual events associated with patients, employees, and visitors. The event-reporting system is the primary source that UCLA Health uses to help us identify clinical opportunities for improvement. You may also utilize SOFI to report disruptive behaviors by patients, staff, and physicians.

  • If a Unit Supervisor is notified, the Unit Supervisor will notify the Service Chief.
  • The Service Chief, or designee (defined as the "Reviewer") will gather information, including interviewing the Member, and make a determination regarding the allegation and determine if a referral to the Medical Staff Health Committee is warranted.
  • If the Reviewer determines there is imminent danger to patients, the Reviewer will immediately remove the Member from all patient care duties and will alert the Chief Medical Officer and the Administrator On Call.
  • If it is determined that a referral to the Medical Staff Health Committee is warranted, the Reviewer will compile all information from the Observer and complete the "Referral to the Medical Staff Health Committee" form (available in Appendix A of policystat document).

UNIT Supervisor or Service Chief

Per policy # MS 107, notify a Unit Supervisor or Service Chief about an impaired physician. 


Reporting unlawful and unethical acts

UCLA Compliance/Whistleblower 

Use the hotline to anonymously report unlawful acts such as corruption, bribery, theft or misuse of University property, fraudulent claims, fraud, coercion, willful omission to perform duty, economic waste, gross misconduct, gross incompetence or gross inefficiency; or any condition that may significantly threaten the health or safety of employees or the public.

Matters include, but are not limited to:

  • HIPAA
  • Clinical research
  • Conflicts of interest
  • Vendor relations
  • Gifts and entertainment
  • Credentialingod
  • Coding and billing
  • Cost reports
  • Information security
  • Record keeping
  • Fair competition
  • State and federal health care
  • Research laws and regulations, and more.

ANONYMOUS HOTLINE

(800) 296-7188