Michigan § 400.586h - Local or regional long-term care ombudsman programs; requirements.

The local or regional long-term care ombudsman programs established pursuant to section 6(2)(aa) shall do all of the following:

Accept, investigate, verify, and work to resolve complaints, whether reported to or initiated by an ombudsman, relating to any action which may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of a resident of a long-term care facility.

Provide information about long-term care facilities, the rights of residents, sources of payment for care, and guidelines in selecting a long-term facility or other service to residents and the public.

Make referrals to appropriate government and private agencies.

Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers to assist ombudsmen in providing services.

Educate residents and the public about abuse of long-term care residents and coordinate with licensing and enforcement agencies to assure appropriate investigation of abuse complaints and corrective actions.

Assist in the development and work of resident councils when invited by residents or the long-term care facility. As used in this subdivision, "resident council" means a forum in which residents of long-term care facilities exercise their rights and communicate their views on the operations of a long-term care facility, the quality of care and life provided, and any other issue of interest to the council.

Assist the state long-term care ombudsman in identifying needed regulatory changes in long-term care.