The bill enhances the role of the Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman in New Jersey by broadening its focus to include all individuals in long-term care facilities, not just the elderly. It replaces references to "elderly" with "long-term care residents" and establishes the office as a state agency responsible for receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints related to long-term care. The bill appropriates $1 million to support the office's operations, with specific allocations for hiring additional staff and promoting a Volunteer Advocate program. It also mandates the creation of a 24/7 complaint system and emphasizes the importance of training for staff and advocates to protect the rights of long-term care residents.

Additionally, the bill expands the reporting process for suspected abuse or exploitation, allowing any individual with reasonable cause to report such incidents while ensuring the confidentiality of the reporter's identity. It requires the ombudsman to conduct prompt investigations and share findings with relevant parties, including the resident and their legal representatives, while maintaining compliance with applicable laws. The bill also modifies the process for reporting findings to the Commissioner of Health or the Commissioner of Human Services and shifts oversight responsibility to the Legislature. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen protections for long-term care residents, ensuring their health, safety, and civil rights are prioritized.

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