What is an Ombuds?What is an Ombuds?What exactly does the Ombudsman Program do?
VolunteerVolunteerVolunteers are the backbone of our program, and we need you!
Consumer EducationConsumer EducationCheck out our latest information!
PodcastPodcastListen to our new podcast, “Please Knock Before Entering!”
Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
“Ensuring the rights, dignity, and well-being of individuals living in long-term care today and tomorrow.”
The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents of nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities. Our purpose is to protect and promote the Resident Rights guaranteed these residents under federal and state law and regulations.
We are trained to receive complaints and resolve problems in situations involving quality of care, use of restraints, transfer and discharge, abuse and other aspects of resident dignity and rights.
Advocacy Day 2024
January 28, 2025 | 8am – 4pm
Join is on January 28, 2025 for our Lobby Day!
Registration Deadline: January 21st, 2025
Don’t know how to prepare for Lobby Day? That’s exactly what this training is for.
Please join us on January 9th, 2025 for this informative training with Melanie Smith, who has more than 20 years experience with public policy and government affairs. She has extensive experience in behavioral health, long term care, and access to public benefits.
She will cover all things from how to speak with Legislators, to what to expect overall.
Bring your questions! This meeting will be recorded, so if you’re unable to attend, you can still have the chance to view the recording prior to Lobby Day.
If you have any problem joining, please contact Karli Vigilia, Data and QA Manager at (253)740-3006 or at karli.vigilia@mschelps.org.
Join Via Zoom
Petition to Support HB1859 and Discharge Appeal Rights
We ask the legislature to pass HB1859, and ensure that all residents are given access to the same resident rights as those guaranteed under federal law for residents of nursing homes.
We are asking for your stories if you were discharged (evicted) or threatened with discharge (eviction) from an Adult family home, Assisted living facility, or Enhanced services facility.
Share Your Story Sign the Petition DOWNLOAD HB 1859 INFORMATION SHEET
Facility DSHS/Ombudsman Poster
WAC 388-97-0300
A posting of names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all relevant state client advocacy groups such as the state survey and certification agency, the state licensure office, the state ombuds program, the protection and advocacy network, and the medicaid fraud control unit
English Cambodian Korean Vietnamese
Please Knock Before Entering
Thank you so much for your support! This podcast is brought to you by the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, working to ensure the rights, dignity, and well-being of individuals living in long-term care today and tomorrow. The LTCO program is operated by the Multi-Service Center, a private non-profit located in Federal Way, Washington. To learn more about the Multi-service center visit MSChelps.org.
Volunteer
During the pandemic, the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has been busy reaching out to long-term care residents by letter, phone, and postcard. Hear from three committed ombuds who share what it has been like during the state emergency.
To learn more about volunteering, contact your local ombudsman program.