201 Designation of Ombudsman Programs

Policy

The State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (SLTCO) shall designate provider agencies, also known as LEs, to provide OR services throughout Georgia.

Procedures

201.1 Criteria for designation as a LE

In order to be eligible for designation by the (OSLTCO) as a LE, an entity must:

  1. Be a public or nonprofit entity.

  2. Not be an agency or organization responsible for licensing or certifying long-term care services.

  3. Not be an association (or an affiliate of an association) of providers of long-term care or residential services for older persons.

  4. Have no financial interest in a long-term care facility.

  5. Have demonstrated capability to carry out the responsibilities of the LE (see II-304).

  6. Have no unresolved conflict of interest (see II-400).

  7. Meet all contractual requirements of the Georgia DHS.

201.2 Process for designation of a LE, where DHS OSLTCO contracts directly with a LE

The designation of a new LE shall occur as follows:

  1. OSLTCO shall use a process to seek an entity to provide LTCOP services within a particular service area. The process will identify the criteria for designation as a LE and shall request submission of documents supporting the LE’s claim to meet these criteria.

  2. OSLTCO shall require that all of the responding entities which meet the criteria for designation develop a proposal setting forth, at a minimum:

    1. Assurance that the entity meets all criteria for designation as a LE.

    2. The goals and objectives of such entity in providing LTCOP services.

    3. A description of how each Program Component shall be met by such entity (see III-100).

    4. The staffing plan for the LTCOP.

    5. A description of the resources of the entity which will be provided to assist in the operation of the LTCOP.

  3. The SLTCO shall review each submitted proposal and shall choose the entity most appropriate to serve as the LE based on the submitted proposals and on the criteria for designation. In considering which entity is most appropriate to designate as the LE, the SLTCO may, but is not required, to consult with the AAA serving the relevant service area.

  4. The SLTCO shall notify the responding entities of this determination within forty-five days. The notification shall be consistent with OSLTCO policy and procedures for entities that apply.

  5. DHS OSLTCO shall contract with the LE to provide LTCOP services. Such contract must:

    1. Specify the service area.

    2. Require the LE to adhere to all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and policies and the OSLTCO Policies and Procedures.

    3. Provide that designation by the SLTCO continues for the duration of the contract and subsequently renewed contracts within the period specified within the competitive bid unless the LE is de-designated by the SLTCO (see II-202.2) or the contract is terminated for cause.

  6. The execution date of the LE’s contract with OSLTCO to provide OR services shall be the effective date of the designation.

References

OAA §§ 307(a)(10), 712 (a)(4),(5); see OAA § 705(a)(5)