HB 347 Summary

• Removes "ombudsman for the elderly" from the list of mandatory reporters of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults under Idaho Code Section 39-5303.

• Adds ombudsman for the elderly to the list of persons who may voluntarily report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults to the commission or its contractors.

• Clarifies that the ombudsman for the elderly can make independent determinations and establish positions of the office without necessarily representing the positions of the commission.

• Modifies ombudsman notification procedures to require written or verbal notification to the resident or resident's representative (rather than just the complainant) regarding investigation outcomes.

• Changes the annual reporting requirement from "bureau" to "division" of licensing and certification.