45 CFR 617.15 – Exhaustion of administrative remedies
(a) A complainant may file a civil action after exhausting administrative remedies under the Act. Administrative remedies are exhausted if:
Terms Used In 45 CFR 617.15
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
(1) 180 days have elapsed since the complainant filed a sufficient complaint and NSF has made no finding with regard to the complaint; or
(2) NSF issues any finding in favor of the recipient.
(b) If NSF fails to make a finding within 180 days or issues a finding in favor of the recipient, NSF will:
(1) Promptly advise the complainant of this fact; and
(2) Advise the complainant of his or her right to bring a civil action for injunctive relief under 42 U.S.C. § 6104; and
(3) Inform the complainant that under 42 U.S.C. § 6104:
(i) The complainant may bring a civil action only in a United States District court for the district in which the recipient is located or transacts business;
(ii) A complainant prevailing in a civil action has the right to be awarded the costs of the action, including reasonable attorney’s fees, but that the complainant must demand these costs in the complaint;
(iii) Before commencing the action the complainant shall give 30 days notice by registered mail to the Director, the Attorney General of the United States, and the recipient;
(iv) The notice must state the alleged violation of the Act; the relief requested; the court in which the complainant is bringing the action; and whether or not attorney’s fees are demanded in the event the complainant prevails; and
(v) The complainant may not bring an action if the same alleged violation of the Act by the same recipient is the subject of a pending action in any court of the United States.