In order to be certified as a facility ombudsman, an individual must (in addition to meeting the qualifications set forth in Section 9.2.19.12 NMAC) complete an evaluation period of between three and six months after placement in a facility, during which the individual:

1. A. visits an assigned facility or facilities regularly;
2. B. submits regular monthly reports;
3. C. submits appropriately written complaints, or successfully completes part II of the ombudsman certification exam;
4. D. is responsive to the needs and concerns of long term care facility residents; and
5. E. is evaluated in the field by the supervising regional coordinator;
6. F. a new facility ombudsman who has met the qualifications for facility ombudsman set forth in Section 9.2.19.12 NMAC may be provisionally certified as a facility ombudsman for and during the three to six month evaluation period. A provisionally certified facility ombudsman enjoys all of the duties and protections of a long-term care ombudsman under the New Mexico Long Term Care Ombudsman Act;
7. G. any person certified as a regional coordinator or other SLTCOP staff with programmatic responsibilities will be deemed certified as a facility ombudsman as well, with all the privileges and protections of a facility ombudsman under these regulations and the New Mexico Long Term Care Ombudsman Act. SLTCOP staff with programmatic responsibilities may be provisionally certified during the first year of employment;
8. H. the director of the SAOA and deputy directors of the SAOA shall each be certified to act with the authority of a regional coordinator upon completion of the standard new volunteer training program.

[9.2.19.13 NMAC - Rp, 9.2.19.13 NMAC, 12/29/2017]