CT HB06984

Expands the State Ombudsman's authority to investigate complaints from recipients of home and community-based services for individuals age 60 and older, in addition to long-term care facility residents.

Creates a new Assistant State Ombudsman position appointed by the State Ombudsman to assist with ombudsman duties and investigative responsibilities.

Extends ombudsman program duties to include identifying, investigating, and resolving complaints related to home and community-based services providers, public agencies, and health and social service agencies affecting service recipients.

Requires the state to collect and analyze data on complaints related to home and community-based services and submit findings to the Department of Public Health, state and federal entities, and the National Ombudsman Resource Center.

Applies all existing protections, access requirements, confidentiality rules, and conflict-of-interest standards to home and community-based services in addition to long-term care facilities; effective October 1, 2017.