Section 250-61-190. Complaints.

A student with a complaint against an authorized institution concerning loss of tuition and/or fees due to unfair or deceptive business practices by the institution shall make a reasonable effort to resolve the complaint directly with the institution. If a mutually satisfactory solution cannot be reached, the following procedure shall be pursued:

(1) Upon receipt of a written complaint that an institution has failed or is failing to comply with the provisions of the act or this chapter, and documentation that the student has made a reasonable effort to resolve the complaint directly with the institution, the executive director shall notify the institution by mail of the nature of the complaint and shall conduct an investigation.

(2) If preliminary findings indicate that a violation(s) may have occurred or are occurring, the executive director shall attempt, through mediation and conciliation, to effect compliance and bring about a settlement.

(3) If no agreement is reached, the executive director shall file a formal complaint with the council and notify the institution of the conduct which warrants the complaint. Final resolution of the complaint shall be subject to hearing procedures provided for in this chapter and the institution may be subject to a summary suspension of its authorization, pending further proceedings for suspension, withdrawal or other actions deemed proper after the hearing.

(4) Any complaints must be filed within one year after the student's last recorded date of attendance in order to be considered by the council. Only the student or the student's legal guardian may file a complaint on behalf of the student.

(5) Complaints may also be filed with the council by an authorized staff member of the council or by the attorney general.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.76.120 and 28B.85.020. WSR 15-02-021, § 250-61-190, filed 12/30/14, effective 1/30/15; WSR 09-02-008, § 250-61-190, filed 12/29/08, effective 1/29/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. WSR 95-01-003, § 250-61-190, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; WSR 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-190, filed 11/20/86.]

RCW 28B.76.120 and 28B.85.020. WSR 15-02-021, § 250-61-190, filed 12/30/14, effective 1/30/15; WSR 09-02-008, § 250-61-190, filed 12/29/08, effective 1/29/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. WSR 95-01-003, § 250-61-190, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; WSR 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-190, filed 11/20/86.