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a. Complete a thorough investigation of the circumstances giving rise to the complaint within ninety days of receipt of the complaint by the Department. b. Notify the complainant in writing that either: 1) The investigation disclosed no substantial evidence of unlawful discrimination; or 2) The investigation found that a discriminatory act did occur and that the Department will take necessary action. B. If the complainant is dissatisfied with the OCR determination, the OCR will refer the complain- ant to the appropriate federal agency. HISTORY: Amended by State Register Volume 28, Issue No. 12, eff December 24, 2004. 114–250. Complaints against Providers. A. Clients who believe that they have experienced an unlawful discriminatory act of any provider of the Department may address a signed, written complaint to any of the following: 1. The Office of Civil Rights of the South Carolina Department of Social Services 2. The State Director of the Department 3. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights 4. USDA Food and Nutrition Services, Civil Rights Division 5. US Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division B. OCR will initially review any complaint it receives against a provider. Such a complaint will be addressed, as deemed appropriate, by the Program area or appropriate Division in coordination with OCR. Appropriate action will be taken. HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 28, Issue No. 12, eff December 24, 2004. ARTICLE 3 ADMINISTRATION (Statutory Authority: 1976 Code § 43-1-80) 114–310. Declaratory Rulings. A. Definitions (1) Agency—the South Carolina Department of Social Services (2) Commissioner—The Commissioner of the South Carolina Department of Social Services or his designee. (3) Declaratory Ruling—an agency ruling designed to clarify that which is uncertain and which expresses the opinion of the Agency regarding applicability of any rules, regulations, policies, or procedures of the Agency or any statutes administered by the Agency without ordering any action. (4) Person—an individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental subdivision or public or private agency or organization. B. Petition for Declaratory Ruling (1) Any person may petition the Agency for issuance of a declaratory ruling to remove uncertainty regarding the applicability of any rules, regulations, policies, or procedures of the Agency. (2) Petitions for the issuance of a declaratory ruling shall: (a) Be in the form of a letter to the Appeals Unit, Department of Social Services, P. O. Box 1520, Columbia, SC 29202 (b) State in a clear and concise manner the uncertainty which is the subject of the petition. (c) Include a complete statement of facts and grounds for the petition. (d) Cite statutory or other authority