Ombudsmen in the News 2001-2007

Ombudsmen in the News 2001-2007

Ombudsmen advocate in many ways to improve long term care. Some of their stories make local and national news.

News Items November 2007

Michigan State Ombudsman testify at Senate hearing on "Nursing Home Transparency and Improvement".  On November 15, 2007, Sarah Slocum, Michigan STLCOP addressed issues regarding enforcement actions, transparency and staffing within the long-term care industry before the Special Committee on Aging.  Read Sarah's testimony and other hearing session testimonies regarding Private Equity and Transparency

News Items October 2007

The Ombudsman Services of Northern California (OSNC) established through evidence submitted with its motion for protective order that its files and records were privileged and protected by a strong privacy interest. In response, the plaintiff took the position that the material should be disclosed based on consent and the stipulated court order. Plaintiff never attempted to establish the evidence was directly relevant to her claims. See California Court Decision

News Items July 2007

NASOP at the Senate Aging Committee "Listening Session".  On July 17, 2007, Beverly Laubert, President of National Association of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs testified about the problem of abuse and neglect in long-term care facilities. See Bev's testimony

News Items May 2007

Kentucky Ombudsman Program Wins National Award  Congratulations to Kathy Gannoe, Sherry Culp and the other wonderful "ombuddies" of the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass, a local ombudsman program in Lexington, Kentucky, received one of only ten newly created Met Life Foundation/Civic Ventures "BreakThrough" Awards. Read more

News Items December 2006

Ombudsmen and NORC staff attend AoA Choices Summit.  On Dec 5-6, 2006, Lori Smetanka, NORC Director, and Deanna Okrent, Consultant attended a leadership summit Choices for Independence along with state and local ombudsmen and 1300 representatives of the aging network.  Priorities for AoA regarding rebalancing long-term care services, remarks by Secretary Leavitt, keynote addresses by Assistant Secretary Josefina Carbonell and other dignitaries, can be found on the AoA website at: http://www.aoa.gov/summit/main_site/summithome.aspx along with the summit agenda.

News Items November 2006

Ombudsman Program sues DC Government. The Office of the D.C. Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program took legal action against the District of Columbia government for failing to create and implement regulatory licensure standards for assisted living facilities currently servicing D.C. residents. As most of you know, the Ombudsman Program, and other long-term care professionals and government officials, have been striving to create such regulations through the Assisted Living Advisory Committee for the past year and half with little success. Per DC SLTCO Gerry Kasunic, they are seeking a legal remedy to sharpen the focus of the District of Columbia govt. into action in order to create a progressive and resident focused licensure survey process. Please use the press release within your offices and share the information with your networks.

News Items October 2006

Ombudsmen receive awards at NCCNHR Annual Conference. Nearly 200 Ombudsmen from around the country attended the NCCNHR Annual Conference and Meeting and participated in the sessions and fun events. Two outstanding ombudsmen received awards at the conference.  Kary Hyre, retiring WA State LTC Ombudsman, received the Cernoria Johnson Memorial Award; and  Patrick Craig, CO regional ombudsman received the Howard Hinds award.

News Items July 2006

Hawaii holds first Annual All Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.  On June 2nd, Hawaii's Executive Office on Aging (EOA) hosted it's first Volunteer Recognition luncheon for ALL their volunteers at the Mandalay Restaurant in Honolulu.  Volunteers from SageWatch, SagePLUS, the EOA Legislative Committee, the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs and the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program were flown in from all 5 Neighbor Islands for a morning presentation on all the volunteer programs EOA offers, followed by a wonderful lunch for almost 100 people.  The purpose was to emphasize that none of these programs would exist without volunteers and to also give the volunteers from the various programs (and islands) an opportunity to meet one another for the first time and learn how much they have in common in their joint mission of serving seniors. Pictured are the State LTCO (John G. McDermott) with LTCO Specialist Anne Holton, LTCO Volunteer Coordinator Laurie Paleka and several volunteers who were able to attend this gathering.  The program currently has certified 45 volunteers.

News Items May 2006

 Orange County (CA) Grand Jury investigates ombudsman program regarding it's effectiveness and availability to residents. Report compliments the Ombudsman staff and volunteers for their outstanding service and finds that the Ombudsman Program is extremely important, successful, and provides a critical service to older and dependent adults in Orange County.

NASOP Announces 2006 Officers.

News Items April 2006

In July 2005, Bev Laubert, NASOP Vice-President and OH State LTC Ombudsman, testified before the National Commission on Quality Long-Term Care. Here is Bev's testimony.  Also see the testimony provided by Alice Hedt, Executive Director, on behalf of residents.

News Items January 2006

South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds signed a proclamation declaring 2006 the year of culture change in SD!  The Long-term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) is very involved in the Culture Change Coalition and in the working with the Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) supporting the 8th Scope of Work.  State Ombudsman Jeff Askew and the LTCOP have been pushing culture change for several years.

The National Ombudsman Resource Center announces that the Annual Conference for State Ombudsmen will be held April 22-25, 2006 in Salem, MA. The Resource Center in coordination with a NASOP Planning Committee has begun working on the agenda. The Massachusetts State Ombudsman Program will be offer a Fun Day on Friday, April 21st (an excellent opportunity to see Salem and not just the inside of a hotel - make travel plans accordingly). A registration packet along with preliminary agenda will be forwarded to State Ombudsmen by mail.

News Items December 2005

In the last year, Kathie Gately, Arkansas State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, has worked to increase the number of volunteer ombudsmen in the state by 850%!!!!  The certified volunteer program grew from 3 to 75.  They celebrated with the1st Arkansas Certified Volunteer Ombudsman Recognition Banquet.

Kentucky Ombudsman offers Holiday Hints for Family, Friends, and Caregivers of Long-Term Care Residents.  Sherry Culp of the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass, Inc. www.ombuddy.org, developed a two-page information sheet about holidays and residents.  Ombudsmen and Citizen Advocates who want to edit it for local use and replicate it are welcome to (contact Rose White, rwhite@nccnhr.org, for a Word format copy).

News Items November 2005

A Teleconference Training on Workforce Issues was held Thursday, November 17, 2005. Presenting was David Farrell, NHA, MSW, Quality Partners of Rhode Island, who reviewed the major studies on workforce retention, turnover, supervision, and staffing ratios, as well as recent data about successful workforce outcomes achieved by the Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs). This session was based on David's presentation at the St. Louis Accord in June 2005, and included the newest information about QIO outcomes. The goal was to give advocates a better understanding of staffing issues, as well as share information about recent research and successful practices. Click here to access David Farrell's PowerPoint presentation: Building a High Retention Culture: The Leadership Factor.

Michigan Ombudsmen John Weir and Toni Wilson receive long-term care advocacy awards.  Attached are the press releases.  Toni Wilson, Local LTC Ombudsman at Citizens for Better Care, received the Catherine Hunt Award and John Weir, Regional Ombudsman of Kalamazoo, received the Wilma Donahue award.

News Items September 2005

NCCNHR Announces Winner of Resident's Rights Week Poster Contest. See winner and two runner ups.

News Items August 2005

Judith D. Griffin Receives Award for Outstanding Resident Advocacy.  NH Ombudsman Program Honors Volunteers.

News Items June 2005

Ombudsman nationwide saddened by loss of two of their own. Details and quotes from colleagues here.

State and local ombudsmen participate in White House Conference on Aging designated event.

News Items May 2005

Washington State passes long-awaited budget and increases Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) for Long-Term Care Residents. Get the details.

State and Local Ombudsmen testify at National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR) sponsored White House Conference on Aging designated event. See more about the event on the NCCNHR website at http://nursinghomeaction.org. 

News Items December 2004

Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman program launches new website. See press release and check out the site at www.georgiaombudsman.org. 

170 ombudsmen participate in conference call training with Jean Badalamenti and Gail MacInnes of NCCNHR on how ombudsmen can support family council development. Read more about it.  

Missouri Ombudsman Program provides Advocacy Tips for Nursing Home Residents and Families.  See press release. 

News Item June 2004

Nearly 250 Ombudsmen Participate in Conference Call Training with Robyn Grant on translating ombudsman skills from nursing homes to assisted living. More information and access to resources here.

News Item March 2004

200+ Long-Term Care Ombudsmen Join Telephone Training by Attorney Eric Carlson on requirements of federal regulations and how they are often misrepresented. Read more and access links to materials.

News Item February 2004

AOA Issues Report to Congress on the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Visit the AoA website at www.aoa.gov or access the report here (pdf file).

Alice Hedt, Director of the National Ombudsman Resource Center, named to head NCCNHR. See press release.

News Item January 2004

Several Ombudsman Programs referenced for good practices working with courts on guardianship issues. See publication from the National Center on Elder Abuse.

News Item December 2003

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: Rethinking and Retooling for the Future. ("The Bader Report" April 2003). Report of the 2002 retreat in which The National Association of State Ombudsman Programs (NASOP) analyzes current challenges, and concludes that the program must change as needed, remain contemporary and retool for the future. Read more about it and get the report.

News Item November 2003

Carol Scott, MO SLTCO and NASOP President, testifies at Senate hearing. Read Carol's testimony in Current Issues.

DC LTC Ombudsman in the news again.  Gerald Kasunic writes report released by AARP and testifies (read testimony) at DC Council meeting. Report entitled Broken Promises is an interim assessment of DC initiatives to improve nursing home quality. See also article in the Washington Post, and read follow-up report released by Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton on the condition of DC Nursing Homes .

Sue Wheaton honored at NCCNHR Annual Meeting.  Accepts Elma Holder award.

News Item October 2003

Pep Rally held in Washington for Residents' Rights. Celebration organized by State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Resident Councils. Read Seattle Times article.

News Items September 2003

DC LTC Ombudsman Program takes legal action. Cites DC’s failure to implement a Model Transfer and Discharge Plan as jeopardizing the health, safety and legal rights of District residents.

News Items August 2003

Tennessee District Ombudsman Program celebrates 25 years. HARDY congratulations to Howard Hines, District Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and Director of the East TN LTCOP, and to all of the ombudsmen in the East Tennessee program on its 25th anniversary. Since many programs are still trying to figure out how to attract, train and keep volunteers - this program continues to be a role model in volunteer ombudsman program development. Our hats are off to all of the volunteers and to the paid staff on 25 years of serving residents!

News Items July 2003: 

Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care issues white paper and stirs public debate. George Potaracke, WI SLTCO makes news July 7, 2003.

News Items June 2003: 

Ombudsman Resource Center funded for 3 more years. AoA awards contract to NCCNHR with NASUA partnering once again.

News Items May 2003: 

California Ombudsmen in the News.  Two local ombudsmen have a shining moment, in different communities.

NALLTCO Supports Elder Justice Bill.  See statement by Eileen Bennett, MD ombudsman,  presented to Elder Justice Coalition at Congressional staff briefing, May 19, 2003.

Articles about ombudsmen published in Nursing Spectrum Magazine. Encourages nurses to volunteer.

Faith Fish retires as NY State Long-Term Care Ombudsman after 10 years (May 7, 2003).

News Item April 2003: 

  Esther Houser, OK LTC Ombudsman makes news once again, this time as inductee to the OK Women's Hall of Fame.  Read more here.

News Item December 2002: 

Georgia SLTCO presents Martha Eaves Award to Maria Greene. Georgia's Division of Aging Services Director wins award on December 3, 2002.  Read Becky Kurtz' notice.

News Items November 2002:

PA Ombudsman story in local paper.  Read story here.

Charles Marquardt wins the District of Columbia Long Term Ombudsman Award for Outstanding Achievement.

News Items October 2002:

Post-Dispatch Series on Preventable Deaths in Nursing Homes. Read Post-Dispatch Series here.

Homicides in nursing homes a growing problem. Read more here.

Arbitration clause loses in Alabama court, allows case to go to trial. Read AARP news story here.

News Items August 2002: 

Asst. Secy. Carbonell letter to AoA staff detailing new appointment in AoA and announcement of new Office on Disability in HHS. Read letter here.

Senate Committee Recommends $3 Million Increase for LTC Ombudsmen. Would bring total Title VII funding to $15,449,000. See summary of Senate recommendations.

News Items June 2002:

Ombudsman Mid-Atlantic Regional Training Held in Winchester, VA June 5-7, 2002. Close to 100 ombudsmen and volunteers from DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, and WV gather for training and networking. See photos from the conference.

ORC Announces Appointment of Ombudsman Specialist. Alice Hedt, Center Director, announced that Julie Meashey will now serve the Center as Ombudsman Specialist, responsible for developing regional trainings and special Center tasks. Ms. Hedt said, "Julie has done such a great job for us during the year that she has been with the Center and I very much look forward to having her work with us in this capacity." The promotion for Ms. Meashey means that the Information Specialist position is now open. Anyone interested should contact John Kafka, NORC Staff Assistant, at jkafka@nccnhr.org,  by Tuesday, June 18th. For details see job description.

Kentucky Ombudsman Program to get significant amount of money for upgrade. Gov. Patton makes commitment to "to improve the quality of life for Kentucky’s older citizens." See press release from KY Cabinet for Health Services.

News Item May 2002:

State Ombudsman Programs featured in Older Americans Report April 26, 2002.  Read the special report here (pdf file).

News Item April 2002:

Ombudsman Program (OSNC) Named Winner of California Awards for Performance Excellence. Read more about the award (April 24, 2002).

FL Program under the Looking Glass. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Council, long independent, is being examined for change of locus of control. Read article from Florida Sun-Sentinel (March 21, 2002).

News Items February 2002:

Pauline Sproul honored for 25 years as volunteer ombudsman in Massachusetts.  See press release (February 7, 2002)

Complaints Against Nursing Homes Higher for Fifth Consecutive Year.  Read Gary Ilminen's article summarizing long term care ombudsman work in nursing homes.

Barbara Fraser, GA ombudsman, receives Congressional Award. Read press release. (November 2001)

Judge rules that the Colorado state ombudsman has the right to inspect private-pay personal care boarding homes. (January 30, 2001) A win for ombudsmen! Read article from Rocky Mountain News.

News Items December 2001:

Criminal investigation of Beverly Enterprises in elder abuse violations. Kathy Badrak of the Santa Barbara Ombudsman Program quoted in Times Record. Read about possible involuntary manslaughter charge at a Beverly nursing facility in article titled "Beverly Hands Over Records."

Bill Benson Radio Report features Ombudsman work. Bill Benson reports in his Weekly Washington Aging Report that an important step for seniors and families in making informed decisions about nursing homes or assisted living placement is to contact a long term care ombudsman in their area. "....One of the best sources of information may be a local nursing home ombudsman...." Read Bill's plaudits about the program in the full report.

Georgia nursing homes understaffed. State Long term care ombudsman, Becky Kurtz, quoted in Atlanta Journal. "It's absolutely critical for homes to have adequate numbers of staff," said Becky Kurtz, Georgia's long-term care ombudsman. "They are the people who are hands-on in meeting all the needs of the residents." Read the 12/19 article here.

News Item October 2001:

Minnesota State Employees on strike. Affects long term care ombudsmen, employees in state homes for disabled and Veterans Home Board nursing homes. Read more about it here.

More About MI State Ombudsman Program, October 2001:

The State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program has been moved from Citizens' for Better Care (CBC) to Elder Law of Michigan (ELM) effective October 1, 2001. CBC challenged this change, but the award was upheld last week. However, there may be future challenges. ELM has not yet filled the position of State Ombudsman so Kate White, ELM Director, is the contact person. Read the Detroit Free Press article here, or go to their website at: http://www.freep.com/news/mich/cbc29_20010929.htm

MI State Ombudsman Program in the News, September 2001:

During the last several months in Michigan, there has been controversy around awarding the State Ombudsman contract to Elder Law of Michigan. Citizens for Better Care (CBC), one of the original 13 ombudsman demonstration programs is challenging the contract being taken from them and moved to Elder Law. CBC has named Nida Donar as Acting State Ombudsman until the new contract takes effect Oct. 1. See Detroit Free Press news story.

News Item August 2001:

Time Magazine article on Assisted Living. Is regulation needed? Abuses and staffing shortages cited. Kary Hyre, Washington State Long Term Care Ombudsman quoted. Read the story here.

News Item July 2001:

Alabama Ombudsman Program greatly understaffed. Marie Tomlin quoted in The Birmingham News. Read the story here.

News Item June 2001:

Two veteran ombudsmen, well-respected throughout the long term care ombudsmen network, tendered their resignation. See: "Ombudsmen for aging quit over state muzzle" on the Rocky Mountain News Web site or click here for the story about Colorado SLTCO Ginny Fraser and Jan Meyers.

News Item May 2001:

OK State Ombudsman on CBS News

Richard Ingham, Oklahoma State Legal Services Developer sends this message: All Oklahomans--less the nursing home industry--are proud of our Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Esther Houser, for her appearance on the CBS Evening News on May 23^rd where she helped expose the corruption in Oklahoma nursing homes.

Esther Houser, State Long Term Care Ombudsman, has advocated for over 20 years to improve nursing homes in Oklahoma. On national television, Esther said, " It's obscene to me and absolutely without question true that people died in facilities because of corruption."

News Item April 2001:

Ombudsmen in North Carolina held a "Long Term Care Advocacy Day at the General Assembly." This was a day of training for long term care advocates held on April 9, 2001. It offered citizens front row exposure to legislative issues in long term care and provided up-to-date information on proposed legislation. Look inside the program brochure to see the agenda.

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