Bill > H0091

This bill reorganizes Florida's State Ombudsman Program for long-term care facilities, clarifying the duties of the Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Council. It defines "representative of the office" to include the state ombudsman, employees, and certified ombudsmen, and establishes conditions under which these representatives might have a conflict of interest, while also granting them immunity from liability when acting in good faith. The bill mandates that long-term care facilities must provide representatives of the office with access to facilities, residents, and records for investigative and assessment purposes, and requires the office to coordinate its services with Disability Rights Florida. It also updates definitions, clarifies responsibilities for investigating complaints, conducting administrative assessments, and handling resident transfers and discharges, while strengthening provisions against interference and retaliation towards ombudsman program representatives.