RD340 - Office of the Common Interest Community Ombudsman Annual Report 2010-2011


Executive Summary:
*This report was replaced in its entirety on December 1, 2011 by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

In 2008, the General Assembly created the Office of the Common Interest Community Ombudsman (the "Office"), and the Common Interest Community Board, at the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. In accordance with statutory requirements, this document reports on the activities of the Office for the period from November 26, 2010, to November 25, 2011.

In 2011, the Board submitted Common Interest Community Ombudsman Regulations for executive branch review. The regulations govern the complaint process for associations and, once adopted, will shift the focus of the Office from reviewing complaints to determining outcomes of "final adverse decisions," as required under Section 55-530 of the Code of Virginia.

As noted in the 2009-2010 Annual Report, constituent expectations are a source of misunderstanding and dissatisfaction, both for the Office and its stakeholders (including association boards and members, unit owners, and elected officials). In an effort to align those expectations more closely with the Office’s legal mandate in terms of service, assistance and advice, the Department is exploring legislation for the 2012 Session. Minor technical amendments may help the public better understand the nature of assistance the Office can provide, as well as its legal limitations.