The commissioner of the host agency, or the commissioner’s designee, shall perform the following duties:

1. (1) Appoint the State Ombudsman, based on the requirements of section 17b-400 of the Connecticut General Statutes and section 17b-411-3(c) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, to serve on a full-time basis;
2. (2) ensure that policies and procedures governing the program are established by the office;

3. (3) ensure that representatives of the office have access, in accordance with section 17b-411-9 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies to the following:

   1. (A) Long-term care facilities and residents;
   2. (B) administrative records, policies and documents of long-term care facilities available to the general public;
   3. (C) appropriate access to medical and social records of residents; and
   4. (D) licensing and certification records of long-term care facilities maintained by the state;
4. (4) ensure that adequate legal counsel is available to the office in accordance with section 17b-411-14 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies;
5. (5) ensure non-interference in the operation of the program in accordance with the Older Americans Act, 42 USC 3058g(j);
6. (6) ensure that conflict of interest provisions set forth in section 17b-411-13 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies are followed;
7. (7) ensure that a state-wide reporting system is developed and maintained as required by section 17b-413 of the Connecticut General Statutes;
8. (8) ensure that representatives of the office advocate on behalf of residents in administrative and legislative hearings and other forums by presenting information and testimony;
9. (9) ensure that the office prepares an annual report that includes policy, regulatory and legislative recommendations for improving the health, welfare, safety and rights of long-term care facility residents in compliance with the Older American Act, 42 USC 3058g(h)(1); and
10. (10) ensure that no representative of the office shall be liable for the good faith performance of official duties.

(Effective April 3, 2013)