Bill > S2490

This bill aims to improve the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, which advocates for residents in long-term care facilities, through several key provisions. First, the bill modifies training requirements for unpaid volunteers, directing the Director of the Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs to review and update model training standards to better match the specialized needs of different types of volunteer representatives, with the goal of reducing unnecessary training requirements. Second, the bill mandates that the Director of the Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs serve on a full-time basis, potentially increasing the program's effectiveness and focus. Third, the bill requires the Assistant Secretary for Aging to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study on State Long-Term Care Ombudsman programs, which will assess program effectiveness, identify challenges, and provide recommendations, including an evaluation of the current staff-to-bed ratio. The National Academies must publicly release the study's findings within one year of entering the contract. These changes are designed to strengthen advocacy and support for residents in long-term care facilities by improving volunteer training, leadership, and program understanding.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2490/all-info