(b) The Regional Ombudsman shall:

1. (1) Identify, investigate, and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents;

2. (2)

   1. (A) Submit written notice to the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman of every allegation of:

(i) Abuse;

1. (ii) Neglect; or

   1. (iii) Exploitation.

   2. (B)

      1. (i) If an ombudsman notifies a facility of a complaint or allegation and the facility is required to report that complaint or allegation to the Office of Long-Term Care or the Adult Protective Services Unit of the Department of Human Services, the ombudsman shall submit written notice of the complaint or allegation to the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
      2. (ii) The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman shall verify that the complaint or allegation was in fact reported to the Office of Long-Term Care/Adult Protective Services Unit of the Department of Human Services;
2. (3) Advocate for broad policy, regulatory, administrative, and legislative changes to improve the care of residents;
3. (4) Ensure ombudsman program representatives are trained as required by the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman;
4. (5) Partner with the aging and disability networks and other stakeholders for the benefit of residents;
5. (6) Ensure all regional program records are contemporaneously entered into the state-wide data and tracking system;
6. (7) Regularly report on ombudsman representative activities as required by the provider agency and the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, including ensuring that accurate data is provided in a timely manner;
7. (8) Review and close all cases within thirty (30) days of resolution of all complaints;
8. (9) Provide consultations to the general public, residents, legislators, community organizations, and other agencies regarding long-term care issues;
9. (10) Provide technical assistance to ombudsman program representatives;
10. (11) Conduct an annual review of regional ombudsman program activities and case documentation;
11. (12) Complete and submit the Arkansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Annual Services Plan as described in 20 CAR § 432-409, indicating program goals and objectives;
12. (13) Actively participate in the development of a regional program budget; and

13. (14) Cooperate with and follow the direction of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman on:

    1. (A) Projects;
    2. (B) Initiatives; and
    3. (C) Responses to systemic needs.