HB 656 -- State Ombudsman for Long-term Care Facility Residents

Co-Sponsors:  Campbell, Ladd Baker

This bill moves the responsibility for the state ombudsman for
long-term care facility residents from the Division of Aging to
the office of the Lieutenant Governor and transfers the funding
for staffing.  The Lieutenant Governor may establish additional
ombudsman programs for elder care if necessary funding is
obtained, and the bill requires the Lieutenant Governor to
actively seek this funding from state and federal sources.  The
bill adds new language that requires the ombudsman, employees
of, or volunteers in that office to report suspected abuse or
neglect to the elder abuse hotline and the local law enforcement
agency and to notify their supervisor that a report was made.
Reports made in good faith must not result in retaliation
through adverse personnel actions against the person who reports.

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated September 13, 2001 at 2:03 pm