AG Drummond announces change to LTC advocacy program
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - The Attorney General's Office on Friday, announced it's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program will now operate under the Office of the Attorney General office.
According to the AG's office, the program is designed to investigate and resolve complaints involving long-term care facilities. The change comes on the heels of Senate Bill 1709 authorizing the move from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to the Office of the Attorney General.
The "Older Americans Act" requires all states to have a program to address complaints and advocate for improvements in the long-term care system, says Drummond.
"By integrating this vital program into our office, we will enhance our ability to investigate complaints, advocate for residents' rights and ensure the highest standards of care in our nursing homes and assisted living facilities,” said Attorney General Gentner Drummond. “This move aligns with our mission to safeguard Oklahomans and allows us to bring additional resources and oversight to the critical work of protecting our older citizens."
The program helps Oklahomans in the following ways:
- Resolves complaints made by or for residents of long-term care facilities.
- Educates consumers and long-term care providers about residents' rights and good care practices.
- Promotes community involvement through volunteer opportunities.
- Provides information to the public on nursing homes and other long-term care facilities and services, residents rights and legislative and policy issues.
- Advocates for residents' rights and quality care in nursing homes, personal care, residential care and other long-term care facilities.
- The Oklahoma Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is supported by local volunteers who are committed to improving the lives of older people in institutions.
To learn about becoming a volunteer, call 800-211-2116.
To file a complaint against a long-term facility, email ombudsman.intake.line@ltco.ok.gov.
For more information on the Oklahoma Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, go to oklahoma.gov/oag/ltco.