The OOLTC State Ombudsman will provide statutory leadership and statewide direction for Minnesota’s Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (OOLTC). The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman ensures compliance with federal, and state laws, sets policy, and issues final legal and confidentiality determinations to protect the rights, dignity, and welfare of residents in nursing facilities and other long-term care settings. Through advocacy, complaint resolution, and systems leadership, the Ombudsman elevates resident voices and promotes quality of life. The role also designates and certifies local ombudsman representatives, ensuring they meet training, confidentiality, and conflict-free standards under the Older Americans Act. Responsibilities include:

• Management and administration of the Office relating to the statewide network of ombudsman services, serving nursing home residents, home and community-based consumers, and hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries and those seeking treatment.  Assure the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of ombudsman services including consumer outcomes
• Implement the federal Elder Justice Act in coordination with the federal Older Americans Act provisions under Title VII, and state Vulnerable Adult Act and state Ombudsman statute
• Plan and direct the establishment of the office of Ombudsman annual legislative action program including legislative and regulatory proposals to respond to identified barriers to quality of care and services of long-term care service recipients
• Exercise expanded federal regulatory and state statutory authority to designate qualified individuals to act as representatives of the Ombudsman performing ombudsman casework services
• Direct and coordinate the activities of the Office of Ombudsman with appropriate state and federal agencies, consumer organizations, and local groups such as area agencies on aging, so that the credibility, effectiveness and efficiency of client dispute resolution services and consumer protection is either improved or maintained. Coordinate Office operations with appropriate units both within and outside of the MBA and DHS