Specialized Information for:

Nursing HomesAssisted Living/Board & Care Home and Community Based Services
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Bankruptcy Law and the LTCOP

Nursing homes close voluntarily and involuntarily for financial and other reasons. This page includes resources that may be helpful to Ombudsman programs in responding to facility closures, and in understanding the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005.

The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 went into effect on Monday, October 17, 2005. One of the provisions of this law is for the appointment of a patient advocate when a health care business files for bankruptcy. If the health care business provides long-term care services, the State Long-term Care Ombudsman may be appointed by the Bankruptcy Court as the “Patient Care Ombudsman.” The following resources are to help programs navigate this advocacy role.

U.S. Trustee Program


Bankruptcy Law


Federal Guidance 


AoA/ACL Letter (April 13, 2012)
This letter clarifies whether or not it is a conflict of interest with OAA requirements for State LTC Ombudsmen and his or her representatives to receive compensation for services or reimbursement for expenses carried out while serving as Patient Care Ombudsman in bankruptcy cases.

Ombudsman Program Examples


View Ombudsman program examples on bankruptcy law.

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