Authority: IC 12-9.1-2-3; IC 12-10-13-17

Affected: IC 12-10-13

Sec. 19. (a) A person shall not exert inappropriate or improper influence on a representative of the office or take any action which will in any way compromise, delay, or limit:

1. (1) the investigation or outcome of complaints;
2. (2) the representative's role as advocate for the rights and interests of residents;
3. (3) the representative's attempt to resolve issues related to the rights, quality of care, and quality of life of the residents; or
4. (4) the representative's responsibility to provide information or recommendations regarding problems and concerns of residents or clients, as necessary, to public and private agencies, legislators, or other persons.

(b) Any interference with the duties of a representative of the office by an officer or employee of the division or an officer or employee of the local ombudsman entity shall be deemed a breach of the duties of the division or local ombudsman entity, as specified in this rule.

(Division of Aging; 455 IAC 1-8-19; filed Mar 6, 2000, 7:51 a.m.: 23 IR 1648; readopted filed Nov 21, 2006, 11:00 a.m.: 20061213-IR-460060411RFA; readopted filed Nov 2, 2012, 8:32 a.m.: 20121121-IR-455120508RFA; readopted filed Nov 15, 2013, 3:22 p.m.: 20131211-IR-455130453RFA; readopted filed Nov 13, 2019, 11:55 a.m.: 20191211-IR-455190488RFA; readopted filed Oct 8, 2025, 3:16 p.m.: 20251105-IR-455240503RFA) NOTE: Transferred from the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (460 IAC 1-7-19) to the Division of Aging (455 IAC 1-8-19) by P.L.153-2011, SECTION 21, effective July 1, 2011.