(b)

1. (1) Where the area agency on aging is the provider agency, the annual plan may be submitted as part of that area agency on aging’s area plan for the following fiscal year.
2. (2) Whether through the area plan or directly, the annual plan shall be submitted to the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman by the due date for the area plan as determined by the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and communicated to the provider agencies.

(d) The annual plan shall:

1. (1) Include goals for each program component;
2. (2) Provide for complaint processing to be the highest priority program component; and
3. (3) Meet or exceed the applicable standard or standards for each program component or include a request of a modified standard.

(e)

1. (1) The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman shall review and issue final approval of the annual plan within forty-five (45) calendar days of receipt when practicable.
2. (2) If changes must be made to an annual plan, the office shall provide assistance to the Regional Ombudsman to develop an acceptable plan.
3. (3) The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman shall notify the regional program and area agency on aging of the approval of the plan.