The bill significantly expands the responsibilities and scope of the Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman in New Jersey, shifting the focus from solely elderly individuals to encompass all long-term care residents. It replaces references to "elderly" with "long-term care residents" and removes mentions of "patients" and "clients," thereby broadening the definition of those protected under the law. The Ombudsman is tasked with receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints related to long-term care facilities, and is required to implement procedures for handling complaints, including referring cases of abuse or exploitation to the appropriate authorities. Additionally, the bill mandates the establishment of an annual training program to educate staff and advocates on residents' rights.

The legislation also enhances the reporting and investigation processes for suspected abuse or exploitation of long-term care residents. It requires individuals who suspect a crime against a resident to report it to local law enforcement and the facility's health administrator, with specified timeframes for reporting based on the severity of the abuse. The bill provides immunity for good faith reporters and establishes penalties for failing to report. It further empowers the Ombudsman to conduct thorough investigations, notify relevant authorities promptly, and share findings with residents and their legal representatives, ensuring confidentiality and community involvement through volunteer programs. Overall, these amendments aim to strengthen protections for long-term care residents and improve the accountability of facilities and agencies involved in their care.

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