- (a) No person shall willfully interfere with any ombudsman in the performance of official duties.
(b) “Interference” includes any inappropriate or improper influence from any individual or entity, regardless of the source, which will in any way compromise, decrease, or negatively impact the:
- (1) Objectivity of the investigation or outcome of complaints;
- (2) Ombudsman representative’s role as advocate for the rights and interests of the resident;
- (3) Ombudsman representative’s work to resolve issues related to the rights, quality of care, and quality of life of residents of long-term care facilities; or
- (4) Ombudsman representative’s statutory responsibility to provide such information as the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman determines necessary to public and private agencies, legislators, and other persons regarding the problems and concerns of residents and recommendations related to residents’ problems and concerns.
- (c) No person shall discriminate or retaliate in any manner against any resident, or relative or guardian/conservator of a resident, any employee of a long-term care facility, or any other person due to filing a complaint with, providing information to, or otherwise cooperating in good faith with an ombudsman representative.