State's long-term care advocacy program transfers to Attorney General’s Office

OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 1, 2024) – The Oklahoma Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program will operate under the Office of the Attorney General starting today. The program investigates and resolves complaints involving long-term care facilities like nursing home and assisted living centers. 

Under the federal Older Americans Act, every state is required to have a program to address complaints and advocate for improvements in the long-term care system. 

"By integrating this vital program into our office, we will enhance our ability to investigate complaints, advocate for residents' rights and ensure the highest standards of care in our nursing homes and assisted living facilities,” said Attorney General Gentner Drummond. “This move aligns with our mission to safeguard Oklahomans and allows us to bring additional resources and oversight to the critical work of protecting our older citizens." 

Senate Bill 1709, signed into law in May, required the move from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to the Attorney General’s Office.  

“We look forward to working with the Attorney General’s team to protect the rights and improve care in Oklahoma’s long-term care facilities,” said William Whited, Oklahoma Long-Term Care Ombudsman. 

The program helps Oklahomans in the following ways: 

• Resolves complaints made by or for residents of long-term care facilities.
• Educates consumers and long-term care providers about residents' rights and good care practices.
• Promotes community involvement through volunteer opportunities.
• Provides information to the public on nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and services, residents rights and legislative and policy issues.
• Advocates for residents' rights and quality care in nursing homes, personal care, residential care and other long-term care facilities. 

The Oklahoma Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is supported by local volunteers who are committed to improving the lives of older people in institutions. To learn about becoming a volunteer, call 800-211-2116.

To file a complaint against a long-term facility, email ombudsman.intake.line@ltco.ok.gov. For more information on the Oklahoma Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, go to oklahoma.gov/oag/ltco.