SB266 Summary

• Amends Sections 22-5A-1 to 22-5A-7 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to update the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program in compliance with new federal regulations.

• Reorganizes the ombudsman program structure by establishing the Office as a separately identifiable entity within the Department of Senior Services, appointing a Director, and clarifying that the department manages personnel but not programmatic oversight.

• Expands the definition of "representative of the office" to replace references to "community ombudsman" and establishes that representatives can be selected and funded by area agencies on aging or other designated entities.

• Adds new definitions including "Area Agency on Aging," "Recipient Representative," and "Representative of the Office" to align with federal requirements and modern practices for long-term care recipients.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.