106 Issues Advocacy

Policy

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program shall assure that the interests of residents are represented to governmental agencies and policy-makers.

Procedures

  1. examples of issues advocacy

    Issues advocacy activities include, but are not limited to:

    1. Educating advocacy groups, governmental agencies, and policy-makers regarding the impact of laws, policies, or practices on long-term care residents.

    2. Seeking modifications of laws, regulations, and other government policies and actions, pertaining to the rights and well-being of residents.

    3. Facilitating the ability of the public to comment on such laws, regulations, policies, and actions.

    4. Participating in a task force to study a long-term care issue and recommend solutions.

    5. Participating in a public hearing relating to a long-term care issue.

    6. Providing information on a proposed law, regulation, or other public policy change related to long-term care.

  2. The LTCOP may seek to resolve resident complaints through issue advocacy where:

    1. A complaint cannot be resolved due to a current law, policy, or practice,

    2. Many residents share a similar complaint or are affected by a policy or practice.

    3. Other strategies to reach resolution with particular facilities or agency staff have been unsuccessful.

  3. guidelines for issues advocacy

    The SLTCO shall:

    1. Provide guidance and direction to LTCOPs related to federal and state issues advocacy.

    2. The LTCOP shall determine other issue advocacy activities to use by considering:

      1. The potential impact of the activity on residents.

      2. The most appropriate and effective method of addressing the issue.

      3. The potential impact of the activity on the LTCOP.

      4. The possibility of joint efforts by the AAA, the LE, the LTCOP’s advisory council, and/or residents in the activity.

    3. Inform the LE, and the SLTCO of plans to engage in issues advocacy through the LTCO Annual Plan.

    4. Inform the LE and the SLTCO of advocacy steps taken on high-profile or politically sensitive issues (e.g., involving media or legislative contacts). Recommended practice is to inform these parties prior to taking such action, but at a minimum, the LTCOP should inform them of actions to be taken.

    5. Attempt to involve residents and families in the activity whenever possible.

  4. SLTCO role

    1. Provide leadership to statewide advocacy efforts on behalf of long-term care residents.

    2. Recommend public policy changes through:

      1. Publication of an annual report.

      2. Legislative and administrative advocacy.

      3. Work with media.

      4. Collaboration with other agencies and advocates.

      5. Other appropriate means.

    3. Link areas or advocacy groups with mutual concerns.

    4. Coordinate issues advocacy activities within the LTCOP.

    5. Develop advocacy strategies.

    6. Provide a clearinghouse on state and national long-term care issues.

    7. Identify and provide needed resources and training of ORs related to issues advocacy.

    8. Coordinate advocacy efforts with the Georgia Council on Aging, and others in the aging network.

    9. Provide training and technical assistance to provider agencies, and others in the aging network regarding the LTCOP role in issues advocacy.

References

OAA § 712(a)(5)(B)(iv), (v); § 712(h)(2), (3)