(a) The area agency on aging shall request consideration to be designated as a provider agency and submit a proposal to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman setting forth, at a minimum:

1. (1) Assurance that the entity meets all the criteria for designation as a provider agency;
2. (2) The entity’s goals and objectives in providing ombudsman program services;
3. (3) A description of how each program service component shall be met,see Subpart 4 of this part;
4. (4) A description of the entity’s resources which will be provided to assist in the operation of the regional program; and
5. (5) A description of proposed remedies to any conflicts identified in the organizational conflicts of interest reported yearly within the regional program area plan.

(b) The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman may designate the area agency on aging as the provider agency where the area agency on aging:

1. (1) Meets the criteria for designation;
2. (2) Submits an acceptable proposal; and
3. (3) Is not otherwise prohibited from fulfilling the duties of the provider agency.

(c)

1. (1) The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman shall notify the area agency on aging of its decision within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the proposal.
2. (2) If the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman refuses to designate the area agency on aging as the provider agency, the notification shall include notice of the right to request reconsideration of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s decision.