This bill proposes to rename the Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families to the Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families, thereby broadening its scope to serve all individuals with disabilities and their families. Key changes include the appointment of a deputy ombudsman to assist in the office's expanded duties and a mandate for the ombudsman to hire sufficient staff to support these functions. The bill also emphasizes the importance of confidentiality in handling communications and records, while requiring the annual issuance of a report detailing services provided and recommendations for improving state procedures related to individuals with disabilities.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the authority of the ombudsman and deputy ombudsman by allowing them to delegate their powers to any employee within the office. It outlines new responsibilities for the ombudsman, such as consulting with other State ombudsman offices, receiving complaints from individuals with disabilities and their families, and accessing relevant departmental records, including those classified as confidential. The requirement for the office to produce annual reports for stakeholders, including the Governor and legislative leaders, is also established, ensuring transparency and accountability in the office's operations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 30:1AA-9.1, 30:1AA-9.2, 30:1AA-9.3