Substitute Senate Bill No. 309 Summary

• Transfers the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman from the Office of Policy and Management to the Department of Rehabilitation Services, with the Commissioner of Rehabilitation Services appointing the State Ombudsman.

• Removes the age 60+ requirement for residents eligible for ombudsman services, expanding coverage to individuals of any age residing in long-term care facilities.

• Adds "resident representative" as a defined term to include individuals chosen by residents, court-appointed guardians, conservators, or legally authorized persons to act on behalf of residents in medical, financial, and personal matters.

• Requires the State Ombudsman to develop policies and procedures regarding informed consent and communication documentation for resident complaints, including use of auxiliary aids and resident representatives.

• Clarifies that ombudsman activities do not constitute lobbying under federal regulations (45 CFR Part 93) and aligns the program with Sections 711-713 of the federal Older Americans Act and all related regulations.