Alaska § 44.25.310 - Duties and powers of the long term care ombudsman.

§ 44.25.310. Duties and powers of the long term care ombudsman.

 (a) The ombudsman shall investigate and resolve a complaint made by or on behalf of an older Alaskan who resides in a long term care facility in the state if the complaint relates to a decision, action, or failure to act by a provider or a representative of a provider of long term care services, or by a public agency or social services agency, that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, or rights of the older Alaskan. At the discretion of the ombudsman, the ombudsman may investigate and resolve a complaint made by or on behalf of a resident who is not an older Alaskan if the complaint relates to a decision, action, or failure to act by a provider or a representative of a provider of long term care services, or by a public agency or social services agency, that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, or rights of the resident.

 (b) The ombudsman may investigate and resolve a complaint made by or on behalf of an older Alaskan relating to the long term care or residential circumstances of the older Alaskan. Complaints under this subsection may relate to any issue not covered under (a) of this section, including the older Alaskan's landlord, senior citizen housing, a public assistance program, a public grant program for services to older Alaskans, public utilities, health care facilities, and health care providers.

 (c) The ombudsman may        (1) subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, require the production of evidence, administer oaths, and examine any person under oath in connection with a complaint described under (a) of this section; the powers described in this paragraph shall be enforced by the superior court;

 (2) pursue administrative, legal, or other appropriate remedies on behalf of a resident of a long term care facility in the state.