The bill significantly expands the responsibilities of the Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman in New Jersey, focusing on the protection of civil and human rights for all long-term care residents, rather than just the elderly. It replaces references to "elderly" and "institutionalized elderly" with "long-term care residents" and removes mentions of "patients" and "clients." The Ombudsman is tasked with receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints related to long-term care facilities, promoting the health, safety, and welfare of residents. The bill also grants the Ombudsman authority to adopt rules, appoint staff, and establish training programs, while emphasizing the importance of addressing complaints and violations of residents' rights.

Additionally, the bill amends the reporting and investigation processes for suspected abuse or exploitation of long-term care residents. It mandates that individuals who suspect a crime must report it to local law enforcement and the facility's health administrator, with specific timelines for reporting based on the severity of the abuse. The Ombudsman is required to conduct prompt investigations and notify relevant authorities within 24 hours of receiving a report. The bill also allows for the sharing of investigation findings with the resident or their legal representative, provided consent is given, and eliminates the need for prior notice before facility inspections. Overall, these amendments aim to strengthen protections for long-term care residents and enhance the effectiveness of the Ombudsman's office.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27G-1, 52:27G-2, 52:27G-4, 52:27G-5, 52:27G-6, 52:27G-7, 52:27G-7.1, 52:27G-7.2, 52:27G-7.3, 52:27G-8, 52:27G-9, 52:27G-10, 52:27G-11, 52:27G-13, 52:27G-14