Report Incidents to the MUI Hotline

The MUI system is set up to help protect all individuals in the Developmental Disabilities system. By looking at individual and group data, we can see trends that can be addressed leading to better protections. These trends and patterns may include:

  • lack of access to adequate health care
  • lack of diagnosis
  • lack of assessment of symptoms
  • lack of identification of new problems for people with certain syndromes

Reporting helps ODODD and SCBDD to get a better picture of what is happening and helps both Departments to make improvements in the system that benefits everyone.

MUI FAQs

Who Reports MUIs?

MUIs can be reported to Stark DD by staff, individuals with disabilities, families, providers or the general public.

All providers who are contracted, certified, or licensed to serve persons with developmental disabilities are required to report MUIs, as well as all Stark DD staff. MUIs should be reported immediately, but no later than four hours after becoming aware of the incident, by calling the MUI Hotline.

To Whom Are MUIs Reported?

A MUI contact has been identified at Stark DD to receive reports of possible MUIs. Incidents may be reported to the Investigative Services Unit or to any SCBDD employee. The ODODD also has a hotline 1-866-313-6733 – which
may be used if there are concerns or difficulties in reporting to Stark DD.

Who Investigates Reported MUIs?

The Investigative Services Unit of the Stark County Board of DD is responsible for the investigation of all MUIs. They also develop prevention plans to reduce the likelihood that similar incidents will occur.

What is the Role of the Provider?

The Provider’s role is to take immediate actions to protect individuals from further harm when incidents occur in their setting, to report possible incidents to SCBDD (immediately or) within 4-hours for incidents or allegations of abuse,
exploitation, misappropriation, neglect, suspicious or accidental deaths or when a provider has received inquires from the media regarding a MUI. All other MUI’s are to be reported no later than 3:00 PM the next working day following
initial knowledge of a potential or determined MUI. Reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation, misappropriation, or death are filed in all cases regardless of where they occur. All other MUI’s are filed only when the incident occurs in a program operated by a county board or when an individual is being served by a licensed or certified provider.

Prevention plans must then be implemented to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents occurring.

What is the Role of Stark DD?

When Stark DD provides services, they must also take immediate actions to protect an individual when an MUI occurs in a Stark DD setting. Stark DD is required to report and investigate MUIs.

The Administrative Rule, Ohio Administrative Code 5123:2-17-02 – requires that when the Stark DD becomes aware of an incident, a report must be filed. This creates a dilemma at times, as Stark DD must contact the family to gather information about an incident. This can be awkward if families are unaware of these county board requirements or have not been informed of the reasons that the information is being requested.

Generally, the types of incidents that require questioning family members are related to unplanned hospitalizations, medical emergencies or accidents that result in a serious injury, such as a broken bone. While all MUIs require an investigation, the process for these types of incidents is for information gathering by the Stark DD investigative agent or service specialist. Investigations, or being asked questions, can feel intimidating. This process should be conducted as a neutral fact-finding effort. The intent of the investigation is to gather information, not to place blame.

Stark DD accepts reports for investigation and/or fact-finding. Reports may be made to the Stark DD –Investigative Services Unit at 330-477-4477, or to any Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities employee.

What is the Role of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities?

The ODODD provides oversight and technical assistance. ALL MUI reports are reviewed by the ODODD MUI/Registry Unit to ensure immediate action, timely reporting, good investigations and necessary implementation of prevention
plans.

ODODD also conducts investigations where it would be a conflict of interest for Stark DD to complete the investigation/report.

Why are Family Members Called for Information?

The MUI system is set up to help protect all individuals in the Developmental Disabilities system. By looking at individual and group data, we can see trends that can be addressed leading to better protections. These trends and patterns may include:

  • lack of access to adequate health care,
  • lack of diagnosis,
  • lack of assessment of symptoms,
  • lack of identification of new problems for people with certain syndromes.

Reporting helps ODODD and SCBDD to get a better picture of what is happening and helps both Departments to make
improvements in the system that benefits everyone.