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 outlined in the amended Section 5 of P.L.1977, c.239, which adds a new subsection (i) detailing the responsibilities of the advocates.

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 set to take effect immediately upon passage, emphasizing the importance of enhancing support and oversight for residents in long-term care settings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27G-5