§ 40:2010.3 — Ombudsman; functions and responsibilities

Louisiana § 40:2010.3

• Jurisdiction: Louisiana
• Title 40: Public Health and Safety

Text

§2010.3. Ombudsman; functions and responsibilities
A. The ombudsman shall have the following functions and responsibilities:
(1) To visit facilities on a regular basis in order to become acquainted with
residents, residents' families, facility administration and facility personnel; to
promote community involvement with residents of facilities; to serve as a liaison
between residents, residents' families, facility personnel and facility administration.
(2) To encourage residents in self-advocacy when problems are expressed
and to make recommendations to the facility administration for the appropriate
resolution of the problem.
(3) To promote the development of citizen organizations to participate in the
ombudsman program.
(4) To make referrals and recommendations to the Louisiana Department of
Health and the Department of Children and Family Services, where such referral is
appropriate.
(5) To provide for the training of the ombudsman, including volunteers and
other representatives of the ombudsman, in:
(a) Federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and policies with respect
to long term care facilities in state.
(b) Investigative techniques.
(c) Such other matters as the office deems appropriate.
(6) To provide reports to the oversight subcommittee of the joint committee
on health and welfare as the subcommittee may require.
B. No officer, employee, or other representative of the office of the state long
term care ombudsman may investigate any complaint filed with the office unless the
individual has received such training as may be required under Paragraph (A)(5) of
this Section and has been approved by the long term care ombudsman as qualified
to investigate such complaints.

Legislative History

Added by Acts 1982, No. 515, §1. Acts 1988, No. 1003, §1.