FL S0654

Restructures the state long-term care ombudsman program by replacing local ombudsman councils with districts managed directly by the state ombudsman, and removes requirements for specific professional membership composition on councils.

Changes the definition of "ombudsman" to mean individuals certified by the state ombudsman who meet established requirements, rather than the single individual heading the office, and establishes "representative of the office" as a defined term covering state ombudsman, office employees, and certified ombudsmen.

Requires the state ombudsman to submit annual reports directly to the Governor, Legislature, and specified state agencies rather than through the Secretary of Elderly Affairs, and expands reporting recipients.

Establishes new appointment procedures for district ombudsmen through application and background screening with state ombudsman approval, removes local council chair elections, and allows the state ombudsman to rescind appointments for good cause including conflict of interest or policy violations.

Makes conforming changes throughout Florida law to replace references to "local councils" and "state Long-Term Care Ombudsman Council" with "state ombudsman program," "districts," and "representatives of the office."