PURPOSE: This rule describes how the division operates the statewide long-term care ombudsman program. (1) The statewide long-term care (LTC) ombudsman program—

1. (A) Investigates and resolves complaints made by or for older persons in LTC facilities about administrative actions that may adversely affect their health, safety, welfare or rights;
2. (B) Monitors the development and implementation of federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies that relate to LTC facilities in the state;
3. (C) Provides information to public agencies about the problems of older individuals in LTC facilities;
4. (D) Trains staff and volunteers and promotes and assists in the development of citizen organizations to participate in the ombudsman program;
5. (E) Implements additional activities, as appropriate, that enhance the LTC ombudsman program and are consistent with federal and state requirements and guidelines;
6. (F) Develops procedures to assure that representatives of the LTC ombudsman program are given appropriate access to LTC facilities, appropriate private access to residents and appropriate access to the residents’ personal and medical records; and
7. (G) Establishes a statewide uniform reporting system to collect and analyze complaints about conditions in LTC facilities for the purpose of identifying problems. Information developed is submitted to the division’s licensure and certification section and follow-up is coordinated to resolve significant problems. Reports on the information gathered and analyzed through the statewide uniform reporting system are submitted to the commissioner as required.

AUTHORITY: section 660.050, RSMo 1986.* This rule was previously filed as 13 CSR 15-6.065 and 13 CSR 15-4.060. Original rule filed Jan. 6, 1986, effective April 30, 1986. Moved to 19 CSR 15-4.060, effective Aug. 28, 2001.

*Original authority: 660.050, RSMo 1984, amended 1988.