Ombudsman Program Looking for Volunteers

We are seeking volunteers to help conduct our outreach to residents of long-term care facilities and those concerned about long-term care and to provide them with greater access to ombudsmen. Individuals with an interest in aging, long-term care, public policy, government, conducting focus groups, and reaching underserved populations are encouraged to apply. Volunteers will work hands-on with staff in some of these areas: digital communications, administrative tasks supporting the state office, outreach support for community programs, information and assistance, research, fundraising, marketing, and other related tasks. Volunteers may also assist the State Office in other functions. We have hours available between 8:30 AM and 6:30 PM.

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We encourage public participation in Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes

Nationwide Launch of Compassionate Allowances

The Social Security Administration announced the rollout of the Social Security Compassionate Allowance Initiative. This process will fast track disability applications for people with certain cancers and rare diseases and allow them to make disability determinations on cases in a matter of days. A list of the 50 conditions can be found here.

National QIO Communication Plan – Patient Safety Tools (2)

As part of the Patient Safety Theme, QIOs are required to assist nursing homes in reducing the rates of and use of physical restraints. Through consumer education, QIOs can achieve greater success in meeting this requirement. The Advancing Excellence in Nursing Home Quality Campaign Website is a great resource for consumer information related to nursing home quality, including physical restraints. As part of the campaign, now in its second phase, consumers can sign up to become a participant and receive campaign updates, learn how to ask their nursing home to become a campaign participant and receive information on quality improvement efforts of the nursing home of their choice. For more information and to become a campaign participant visit www.nhqualitycampaign.org

Elder Justice Act/Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act Now Law!