Patient Advocate Nursing Home Regulations
Created in 1978 through amendments to the Older Americans Act, the long-term care patient advocate, or "ombudsman" program was designed to assist residents in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in asserting their civil and human rights.
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Ombudsman Responsibilities
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Ombudsmen visit each nursing home in an area on at least a monthly basis. A key activity of the ombudsman is to identify problems and complaints of residents, and assist each resident in achieving timely resolution of issues.
Resident Rights
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Ombudsmen advocate for the rights of residents in nursing homes. Nursing home residents have the right to participate in their medical care; have privacy in communications; be free from physical and mental abuse; have the right to be informed about facility policies; have the right to visitors; be protected against inappropriate discharge from the facility; have their personal funds protected; and be free to voice concerns without fear of retribution.
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Users of Ombudsman Services
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Although the primary focus of an ombudsman is advocacy for a nursing home resident, family members, friends, and facility administrators and staff also enlist the services of ombudsmen. Ombudsmen also serve as a resource to members of the community who are considering placement of a family member in a long-term facility.
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References
Resources
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