HB 1074

An act to be known as the be known as the mississippi long term care ombudsman act; To create the state long-term care ombudsman program IN the department of human services, within the division of aging and adult services; To provide that the ombudsman program shall be headed by the state long-term care ombudsman, who shall be appointed by the executive director of human services; To provide that the division of aging and adult services shall have a designated legal counsel to advise, assist and aid the state ombudsman; To prescribe purpose of the ombudsman program; To specify the duties and authority of the state long-term care ombudsman; To require the state ombudsman to designate districts to carry out the duties of the ombudsman program within local communities; To provide for the appointment of representatives of the ombudsman program and prescribe their duties; To require the department to adopt state and local complaint procedures; To provide for investigations by representatives of the ombudsman program and onsite facility visits; To provide for complaint notification and resolution procedures; To provide that certain information and records of the ombudsman are confidential; To provide upon admission to a long-term care facility, each resident OR representative of a resident must receive information regarding the ombudsman program; To provide immunity for any person making a complaint pursuant to this act IN good faith; To prohibit retaliation against a person for filing a complaint with, providing information to, OR otherwise cooperating with any representative of the ombudsman program; To require the state ombudsman to ensure that appropriate training is provided to all representatives of the state ombudsman program; To amend sections 43-47-7 and 43-47-37, mississippi code of 1972, to conform to the preceding provisions; To repeal sections 43-7-51 through 43-7-79, mississippi code of 1972, which are the long-term care facilities ombudsman act; And for related purposes.