This bill mandates the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to assign either paid or volunteer advocates to long-term care facilities. The advocates will be responsible for conducting in-person visits with residents to ensure their financial, health, legal, social, and other needs are adequately met. This new requirement is introduced as subsection i. in Section 5 of P.L.1977, c.239 (C.52:27G-5), which outlines the responsibilities of the ombudsman.

Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation from the General Fund to the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to support the implementation of this new provision. The act is designed to enhance the oversight and support for residents in long-term care facilities, ensuring their rights and needs are prioritized. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27G-5