Dispute Referral
What is a dispute referral?
- A dispute is when people do not agree about something. For example, you may not be able to choose where you live, work or go to school.
- A referral process allows the Olmstead Implementation Office (OIO) to communicate with you about the issue and help you contact the right state agency.
- OIO cannot solve the problem for you. We can connect you with the state agency that might be able to help you.
What should I do before filing a dispute referral?
- Before you file a dispute referral, you should try to get help through other resources.
- Are you currently receiving disability services and have questions? Fill out this form, Question About My Services, and someone will contact you to help.
- If you need help getting disability services, you can check with other agencies and organizations listed here: Resources
Who can use the dispute referral process?
- People with disabilities
- People advocating on behalf of someone with a disability
How do I file a dispute referral?
If you have already tried getting help from other organizations or agencies, you can email MNOlmsteadPlan@state.mn.us.
What happens after I submit the form?
- OIO staff will read your information and decide which state agency can help you.
- OIO will ask the state agency to contact you.
- OIO will make sure the agency contacts you promptly and responds to your concern.
What happens to the information I put in the form?
- OIO will share your information with state agency staff. OIO will not share the information with anyone else unless a court or law says we have to.
What can't the dispute referral process do?
- The dispute referral process is not legal advice. OIO staff are not lawyers.
- OIO can't help you directly, but we will connect you with someone who can work on your concern.
- OIO can't help with problems with a county or city government or a service provider. If you have a concern like that, you should contact the government office or provider.
- The dispute referral process cannot help you get the services you might need. If you need help getting services, we list many resources here: Resources.