2009 North Carolina Code
Chapter 143B - Executive Organization Act of 1973.
§ 143B-181.19. Office of Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman; Regional Ombudsman; duties.

§ 143B‑181.19.  Office of Regional Long‑Term Care Ombudsman; Regional Ombudsman; duties.

(a)        An Office of Regional Ombudsman Program shall be established in each of the Area Agencies on Aging, and shall be headed by a Regional Ombudsman who shall carry out the functions and duties of the Office.  The Area Agency on Aging administration shall provide administrative supervision to each Regional Ombudsman.

(b)        Pursuant to policies and procedures established by the State Office of Long‑Term Care Ombudsman, the Regional Ombudsman shall:

(1)        Promote community involvement with long‑term care facilities and residents of long‑term care facilities and serve as a liaison between residents, residents' families, facility personnel, and facility administration;

(2)        Receive and attempt to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents in long‑term care facilities;

(3)        Collect data about the number and types of complaints handled;

(4)        Work with long‑term care providers to resolve issues of common concern;

(5)        Work with long‑term care providers to promote increased community involvement;

(6)        Offer assistance to long‑term care providers in staff training regarding residents' rights;

(7)        Report regularly to the office of State Ombudsman about the data collected and about the activities of the Regional Ombudsman;

(8)        Provide training and technical assistance to the community advisory committees; and

(9)        Provide information to the general public on long‑term care issues. (1989, c. 403.)