In accordance with the Older Americans Act, the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Office) is established within the State Agency to carry out a statewide Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program that is under the direct supervision and administration of the State Agency.

• (1) The Office staff consists of the state long-term care ombudsman and adequate program and support staff.
• (2) Specific staffing requirements for each area Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program are set in accordance with normal State Agency administrative and funding procedures.
• (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:
  • (A) reimbursement of travel costs of the ombudsman supervisor and ombudsman volunteers, including travel to and from their assigned facilities and required meetings;
  • (B) identification badges; and
  • (C) other incidental costs related to trainings and meetings, including awards and certificates.
• (4) The designated area ombudsman staff representatives are housed within the Area Agency on Aging, whenever possible.
• (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 State Agency approval.
  • (A) For the purpose of review of qualifications, criminal background checks, and conflict of interest issues, the Office shall have access to applications, resumes, and other personnel information related to applicants for and incumbents in area ombudsman staff positions.
  • (B) State ombudsman staff are involved at their discretion in interviews of applicants for area ombudsman staff positions as members of an interviewing team.  Upon conclusion of the interview process, there is opportunity for discussion and recommendations.
  • (C) Merit hiring standards are adhered to throughout the hiring process, pursuant to Part 900 of Title 5 of the United States Code and other valid procedures agreed to by the interview team.
  • (D) Employment of area ombudsman staff is probationary pending the person's satisfactory completion of training prescribed by the state long-term care ombudsman and designation as described in this Part.