Utah Admin. Code R510-200-6 - Local Ombudsman Entities

(1) Each local ombudsman entity shall provide ombudsman program services to protect the health, safety, welfare and rights or residents.

(2) The services that a local ombudsman entity shall provide include:

(a) the receipt and investigation of a complaint made by or on behalf of a resident pursuant to the process described in Section R510-200-12;

(b) the provision of information and assistance to residents;

(c) the provision of community education regarding the ombudsman program;

(d) routine visits to a resident or long-term care facility on at least a quarterly basis;

(e) advocacy on behalf of a resident;

(f) interagency coordination;

(g) the provision of activities for residents and resident and family councils;

(h) development of resident councils and family councils;

(i) management of volunteers for the ombudsman program; and

(j) consultation with a resident.

(3) Each local ombudsman entity shall ensure that residents in the service area have regular, timely access to representatives of the ombudsman program and receive timely responses to complaints or requests for assistance.

(4) Each local ombudsman entity shall represent the interests of residents before government agencies and seek administrative, legal, and other remedies to protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of the residents.

(5) Each local ombudsman entity shall review, facilitate public comment on, and recommend changes in federal, state, or local laws, regulations, and policies that pertain to the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents.

(6) Each local ombudsman entity shall document the following case information in the ombudsman electronic case management program:

(a) activities completed on the case;

(b) consultations completed on the case; and

(c) any other required information.

(7) Local ombudsman entities may not complete the following tasks or engage in the following activities:

(a) transporting residents;

(b) providing services to residents that should be provided in the facility in which they reside;

(c) acting as a guardian;

(d) acting as a payee;

(e) signing consent forms for surveys, medications or restraints;

(f) signing medical directives; or

(g) exercising a resident's power of attorney.

Notes

Utah Admin. Code R510-200-6

Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2018-12, effective 5/30/2018 Adopted by Utah State Bulletin Number 2022-09, effective 4/12/2022