Library: Policy

340:105-11-238. Systems Advocacy, monitoring laws, regulations, and policies

Revised 9-15-17

(a) The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Office) is required and authorized to:

(1) analyze, comment on, and monitor the development and implementation of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and other government policies and actions that pertain to long-term care facilities and services;

(2) monitor the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents; and

(3) recommend changes in such laws, regulations, and policies as the Office determines appropriate.

(b) Office staff:

(1) acquire and share with area programs, citizen organizations, and individuals copies of proposed and enacted laws, regulations, and policies that may affect long-term care facility residents;

(2) give testimony and written comments as appropriate and assist others learn of comment opportunities;

(3) attend or conduct public hearings;

(4) request comments from area ombudsman staff; and

(5) investigate complaints and take action as necessary to monitor the development and implementation of laws, rules, and policies.

(c) Area ombudsman staff:

(1) review proposed and enacted laws, regulations, and policies that may affect long-term care facility residents in the planning and service area (PSA), as provided by Office staff;

(2) give testimony and written comments, and attend or conduct public hearings, as appropriate;

(3) investigate complaints; and

(4) communicate concerns identified through the above activities to Office staff.

(d) The Office makes determinations and establishes positions of the Office independently.Those determinations or positions may or may not represent the determinations or positions of the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) and are not subject to approval by DHS.