BP - WI Specialist

2006 Annual State Ombudsman Training Conference
Success in Ombudsman Programs

Relocation Ombudsman Specialist

Wisconsin

Category: Program Management

Project Description: 

Wisconsin has experienced a record number of nursing facility closures over the past 3 years (39 facilities). Almost all of these have occurred due to financial difficulties of the operators. The state has strong administrative rules that dictate procedures to be followed by various “stakeholders” once the decision to close has been made. However, application of these rules has been spotty, and often no to the benefit of the residents. Involvement of regional/local ombudsmen in this activity has been a drain on the “usual” functions that they are expected to deliver for residents. We fully expect more facility to close in the near term; and more major “down-sizings” as well. The Governor expects the supply of nursing home beds to shrink another 20-25% over the next 5 years as the state moves aggressively toward community care in a managed care environment.

The Ombudsman Program requested funds from the CMP reserve to support one FTE to serve as a Relocation Ombudsman Specialist. The primary function for this person is to coordinate the ombudsman program’s response to a closure or major downsizing of a nursing facility. He will represent the agency at relocation meetings of state/county/provider reps to assure residents rights are honored as plans are developed. He will assist regional ombudsmen with convening resident/family meetings to clarify residents’ rights and related processes. Informational booths will be established in each closing facility, stocked with consumer friendly information. Specific relocation brochures will be developed for these meetings and booths. He will provide daily/weekly updates to the program’s webmaster for posting. Weekly reports for possible systems advocacy will be developed for the state ombudsman.

This is a three-year grant of $240,000 from the Bureau of Quality Assurance (Wisconsin’s Lic & Cert agency).

Project Impact:

The position was created January 15, 2006. Tom LaDuke was hired and began work March 6, 2006.

The program hopes to define what is needed  to refine the existing relocation process to be sure that residents afford themselves of the best information possible before they move from the closing facility.

Training needs for ombudsmen and changes to the program’s procedure manual will be made as needed. The state ombudsman will use information to propose changes to administrative rules that govern responsibilities of various agencies and providers when a closure occurs.

Contact Person: George Potaracke

Phone Number:  608.246.7014    Fax:   608.246.7001    E-mail:  george.potaracke@ltc.state.wi.us