Specialized Information for:

Nursing HomesAssisted Living/Board & Care Home and Community Based Services

Are you new to the Ombudsman program?

Welcome to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Network!  You join a network of more than 4,049 volunteers and 1,835 paid staff  charged with advocating for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, and assisted living facilities. This page includes information on the history of the long-term care ombudsman program, applicable federal law and regulations,  key stakeholders in the long-term care ombudsman network, and an overview of available NORC resources.

Are you new to the Ombudsman program? Here is what you need to know

 

Get to Know NORC - This infographic provides a step-by-step checklist for new Ombudsmen to acquaint themselves with NORC and includes links to important webpages and resources, information about the Ombudsman program, the sign-up page for our email listserv, and our email address if you have any technical assistance questions.

 

 

 

Tips for Using This New Resource

1. If you are new to the Ombudsman program, download and review it, and share it with your peers.
2. If you hire paid representatives and/or work with volunteer representatives, include this resource in their welcome and orientation materials for initial training.
3. Share this resource on your program’s social media accounts.


Get to know the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program - History

First and foremost, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) representatives are resident advocates.  Residents guide all LTCOP advocacy and work. This video provides a detailed discussion on the history of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the advocacy of programs across the country to help residents of long-term care facilities.

The Who, What, Where, Why, and How of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (2022)

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program (LTCOP) advocates for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, and assisted living facilities. LTCOPs address a variety of complaints regarding the quality of life and care of individuals living in long-term care facilities. Program representatives also provide information about how to find a facility and what to do to get quality care.

Under the federal Older Americans Act, every state is required to have an Ombudsman Program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long-term care system. This presentation reviews the program responsibilities required by federal law so the information is applicable in every state. Attendees will gain an understanding about what the LTCOP does, who the LTCOP serves, and how to contact the program.

LTCOP representatives can use this presentation when training potential LTCOP representatives, during Resident Council and Family Council meetings, community education, and in-services for facility staff. 

View the slides as a PDF or PPT.

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Check out NORC's Training for LTCOs!

The Initial Certification Training Curriculum for Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs is a ten module training for Ombudsman program representative.

Click here to learn more

NORC Brochure

Click here to download.

Get to know the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program - Federal Law and Regulation

The Ombudsman Program and the Older Americans Act
Click on the window below to read about the origins of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Under the Older Americans Act.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Regulations
Final Rule: 45 CFR Parts 1321 and 1324 State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs (February 2015)
Since 1992, the functions of the State Long-Term Ombudsman program have been delineated in the Older Americans Act; however, regulations have not been promulgated.  In the absence of regulatory guidance, there has been significant variation in the interpretation and implementation of the program among States. This rule provides the first regulatory guidance for States' Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs to provide clarity about implementation. This rule became effective July 1, 2016. A revised version of the Final Rule with corrected typos was published on December 20, 2016. The revised version can be viewed here.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Final Regulations Overview
The information contained in this document is an overview of the Final Regulations for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (amending 45 CFR Parts 1321 and 1327), published in the Federal Register, Vol. 80, No. 28, 7704-7767 (February 11, 2015).  The purpose of this overview is to provide a quick reference to the provisions included in the regulation.

Additional information on the LTCOP Final Rule can be found here.


Get to Know the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Network - Who's Who

National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC)
Under the Older Americans Act, the Administration on Aging/Administration for Community Living is tasked with administering the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC). AoA/ACL currently provides a grant to the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care to operate NORC. NORC provides support and technical assistance to Ombudsmen and their representatives, along with NALLTCO, the National Association of Local Long-Term Care Ombudsmen, and NASOP, the National Association of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs.

LTCOP Network Acronyms
This document spells out the many acronyms you may encounter as a new long-term care ombudsman.

Visit the Ombudsman Support page to access program management, training, and advocacy resources and click on our site map to see all available resources and pages. 

Access NORC's Ombudsman Support Resources