Session: State Capitol, Room 125 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-6600 Fax: (907) 465-3805 Interim: 600 E. Railroad Ave. Wasilla, AK 99654-7035 Phone: (907) 376-3370 Fax: (907) 376-3157

Sponsor Statement for SB 342
Long Term Care Ombudsman

An Act relating to the long term care ombudsman.

The each state is required to have a long term care ombudsman under the Older Americans Act. Alaska's long term care ombudsman is located in the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. Recently, the long term care ombudsman resigned, citing frustration with Alaska's statutes as one of the reasons for leaving.

Discussion with the executive director of the Alaska Mental Health Trust led to the filing of Senate Bill 342 which brings Alaska's statutes in line with the federal law.

Specifically, SB 342:

• directs the long term care ombudsman to visit long term care facilities and identify problems rather than assuming the more passive role of only responding to complaints;
• provides that no long term care facility may deny immediate access to an employee or volunteer from the long term care ombudsman's office who is responding to a complaint;
• give the long term care ombudsman an active role in developing and providing technical support to volunteer organizations which are interested in the health, safety, welfare and rights of older Alaskans

The long term care ombudsman's role is critical in protecting the health and safety of our most vulnerable older Alaskans. It is essential that we provide the office with the tools necessary to do this job.

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