106 Issues Advocacy | LTCO-5100-MANUAL
Policy
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program shall assure that the interests of residents are represented to governmental agencies and policy-makers.
Procedures
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examples of issues advocacy
Issues advocacy activities include, but are not limited to:
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Educating advocacy groups, governmental agencies, and policy-makers regarding the impact of laws, policies, or practices on long-term care residents.
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Seeking modifications of laws, regulations, and other government policies and actions, pertaining to the rights and well-being of residents.
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Facilitating the ability of the public to comment on such laws, regulations, policies, and actions.
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Participating in a task force to study a long-term care issue and recommend solutions.
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Participating in a public hearing relating to a long-term care issue.
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Providing information on a proposed law, regulation, or other public policy change related to long-term care.
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The LTCOP may seek to resolve resident complaints through issue advocacy where:
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A complaint cannot be resolved due to a current law, policy, or practice,
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Many residents share a similar complaint or are affected by a policy or practice.
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Other strategies to reach resolution with particular facilities or agency staff have been unsuccessful.
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guidelines for issues advocacy
The SLTCO shall:
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Provide guidance and direction to LTCOPs related to federal and state issues advocacy.
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The LTCOP shall determine other issue advocacy activities to use by considering:
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The potential impact of the activity on residents.
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The most appropriate and effective method of addressing the issue.
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The potential impact of the activity on the LTCOP.
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The possibility of joint efforts by the AAA, the LE, the LTCOP’s advisory council, and/or residents in the activity.
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Inform the LE, and the SLTCO of plans to engage in issues advocacy through the LTCO Annual Plan.
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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.
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Attempt to involve residents and families in the activity whenever possible.
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SLTCO role
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Provide leadership to statewide advocacy efforts on behalf of long-term care residents.
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Recommend public policy changes through:
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Publication of an annual report.
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Legislative and administrative advocacy.
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Work with media.
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Collaboration with other agencies and advocates.
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Other appropriate means.
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Link areas or advocacy groups with mutual concerns.
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Coordinate issues advocacy activities within the LTCOP.
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Develop advocacy strategies.
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Provide a clearinghouse on state and national long-term care issues.
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Identify and provide needed resources and training of ORs related to issues advocacy.
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Coordinate advocacy efforts with the Georgia Council on Aging, and others in the aging network.
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Provide training and technical assistance to provider agencies, and others in the aging network regarding the LTCOP role in issues advocacy.
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