Funds Needed for Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Advocates Say

Eldercare and disability advocates are calling on California lawmakers to pass a bill (AB 2555) by Assembly member Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles) that would help sustain funding for the state's long-term care ombudsman services, the Vallejo Times Herald reports.

The ombudsman program investigates and resolves complaints about the quality of care in nursing homes, residential care facilities or assisted living centers.

Last year, California lawmakers cut $3.8 million from the program but later restored $1.6 million.

Joan Parks -- administrator for ombudsman and Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program services of Northern California -- said funding for the ombudsman program is expected to run out on July 1.

If the program loses significant funding, Parks said local agencies likely would cut staff and reduce unannounced inspections of long-term care facilities (Rohrs, Vallejo Times Herald, 4/24).