As required by the OAA, the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is established within the OAG to carry out a statewide Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (Program) under OAG direct supervision and administration.

1. (1) Office consists of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Ombudsman) and program and support staff.
2. (2) Specific staffing requirements for each area Program are in accordance with OAG administrative and funding procedures.
3. (3) The area entity designated to provide ombudsman services must provide an adequate allocation of funds to operate the local program. Costs incurred include, but are not limited to:
4. (A) reimbursement of ombudsman supervisors' and ombudsman volunteers' travel costs, including travel to and from assigned facilities and required meetings;
5. (B) identification badges; and
6. (C) incidental costs related to trainings and meetings including awards and certificates.
7. (4) Designated area ombudsman staff representatives are organizationally-located within public or non-profit private entities.
8. (5) Selection of area ombudsman staff representatives is made by the director of the designated area ombudsman entity, with input and recommendations from state Ombudsman staff during the interview process, and subject to Ombudsman approval.
9. (A) For the purpose of reviewing qualifications, conducting criminal background checks, and identifying conflicts of interest, the Office shall have access to applications, resumes, and other personnel information related to applicants and incumbents in area ombudsman staff positions.
10. (B) At the Ombudsman's discretion, State Ombudsman staff may be involved in applicant interviews for area ombudsman staff positions as members of an interviewing team. Upon conclusion of the interview process, there is opportunity for discussion and recommendations.
11. (C) Employment of area ombudsman staff is probationary pending the individual's satisfactory training completion.
12. (6) The Ombudsman investigates allegations of misconduct by Office representatives in the performance of Program duties and, as applicable, coordinates investigations with OAG, the agency hosting the local ombudsman entity, and/or the local ombudsman entity.
13. (7) The Ombudsman determines the use of the fiscal resources appropriated or otherwise available to operate the Office. The Ombudsman approves the allocations of federal and state funds provided to such entities, subject to applicable federal and state laws and policies. The Ombudsman determines Program budgets and expenditures and those local ombudsman entities are compliant with laws, policies, and procedures governing the Program.

<div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Transferred from 340:105-11-233 by SB 1709 (2024), eff 11-1-24</span></div>

Amended at 42 Ok Reg, Number 20, effective 7-11-25

Amended at 43 Ok Reg, Number 18, effective 6-11-26