FAQ
What is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?
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 laws 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.
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 by visiting https://www.waombudsman.org/find-ombudsman/ or calling our toll-free number at 1-800-562-6028.
Who Can Use the Ombudsman Program?
- Residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family homes and veteran’s homes,
- Relatives and friends of residents in long-term care facilities,
- Administrators and employees of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult family homes and veteran’s homes,
- Any group or individual concerned about the welfare of residents of long-term care facilities,
- The community-at-large.
To support the work of the LTC Ombudsman Program, please visit our donation page or contact your local program to learn about volunteer opportunities.
How much does it cost to use the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?
The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman is free and available to all residents, family, and community members involved in the long-term care system in Washington state.
What is the State Ombuds Role and how is it different than the regional role?
Under the federal Older Americans Act, every state is required to have an Office of the LTC Ombudsman to address complaints and advocate for improvements in the long-term care system. The creation and duties of the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman are contained in Washington state law at RCW 43.190 and implementing regulations at WAC 365.18.060. Among our duties, we are charged with:
- Coordinating the activities of all long-term care ombudsmen throughout the state,
- Protecting the confidentiality of records,
- Establishing a statewide uniform reporting system to collect and analyze data relating to complaints and conditions in facilities, and
- Providing resources to empower individuals, families, and the community to ensure the safety and dignity of all residents in long-term care settings.
In addition to receiving and responding to complaints filed with our office, we also conduct independent research and advocate before the legislature on behalf of the dignity and quality of life of all people receiving care in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and boarding and adult family homes. We monitor the work of state agencies that manage facility licensing, inspections, complaint investigations, and enforcements and their policy and regulatory development.