Arkansas Certified Volunteer Ombudsman
Role of the Office of State LTC Ombudsman
- To develop and maintain a statewide Ombudsman Program
- To provide training and certification to Ombudsman
- To provide technical assistance to the Regional Ombudsman
- To provide oversight of the statewide Ombudsman Program
- To establish a statewide Certified Volunteer Ombudsman Program
Role of the Regional Ombudsman
- To advocate for residents of nursing homes, residential care and assisted living facilities
- To receive, investigate and resolve complaints on behalf of nursing home, residential care and assisted living residents
- To educate the community in regards to the Ombudsman Program and resident rights
- Management of the Certified Volunteer Ombudsman Program in their service area
Role of the Certified Volunteer Ombudsman
- Inform residents of their rights under Federal and State Law and assist them in protecting their rights
- Provide information about the Ombudsman Program to residents and families
- Refer complaints and concerns to designated Regional Ombudsman
- Observe and report conditions in nursing homes to the Regional Ombudsman
Qualifications of an Arkansas Certified Volunteer Ombudsman
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have reliable transportation
- Experience in working with older people
- No immediate family presently employed by a LTC facility
Training required to obtain and maintain an active certification as an Arkansas Certified Volunteer Ombudsman
- Must attend an 8 hour classroom training
- Must complete a 12 hour nursing home practicum
- Must attend quarterly in-service training classes
- Encouraged to attend at least 1 state sponsored quarterly training per year
Responsibilities of an Arkansas Certified Volunteer Ombudsman
- Visit residents in assigned facility 2-4 hours weekly
- Explain the purpose of the Ombudsman Program to residents and family
- Complete all required paperwork accurately and on time
- Observe and report to the Regional Ombudsman regarding care in assigned facility
- Abide by nursing facility policies
- Help residents and their families understand facility policies
- Attend Resident and Family Council activities when requested
- Refer complaints or problems received or observed to the Regional Ombudsman
- Ask for technical assistance from the Regional Ombudsman
- Adhere to the confidentiality and code of ethics agreement at all times
Supervision
- The Certified Volunteer Ombudsman will observe and report to the Volunteer Ombudsman Coordinator regarding care in their assigned facility. If the Area Agency on Aging does not have a Volunteer Ombudsman Coordinator, then you will report to the Regional Ombudsman
- The Certified Volunteer Ombudsman will complete all monthly paperwork and submit to the Volunteer Ombudsman Coordinator
- The Certified Volunteer Ombudsman will provide the referral complaint form directly to the Regional Ombudsmam