§143B-181.15. Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program/Office; policy

The General Assembly finds that a significant number of older citizens of this State reside in long-term care facilities and are dependent on others to provide their care. It is the intent of the General Assembly to protect and improve the quality of care and life for residents through the establishment of a program to assist residents and providers in the resolution of complaints or common concerns, to promote community involvement and volunteerism in long-term care facilities, and to educate the public about the long-term care system. It is the further intent of the General Assembly that the Department of Health and Human Services, within available resources and pursuant to its duties under the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 3001 et seq., ensure that the quality of care and life for these residents is maintained, that necessary reports are made, and that, when necessary, corrective action is taken at the Department level.

(1989, c. 403, s. 1; 1995, c. 254, s. 1; 1997-443, s. 11A.118(a).)