CMS Clarifies Use of Civil Monetary Penalties Washington, DC (Nov. 2002) CMS provides guidance on how states may use CMP funds collected from nursing homes that have been out of compliance with Federal requirements. Read memo here.
Congress Approves $3 million more for Ombudsman Programs Washington, DC (Dec. 20). Appropriations bill expected to be signed by the President. Read details here.
AoA Updates 2000 Census Data on Aging WASHINGTON, DC (Oct. 18, 2001)
Review updated national and state level statistics on older persons as learned from the 2000 census. The latest additions to the data include downloadable spreadsheets in Excel format showing data by age and state. To view the report, click here.
ABA Posts Standards on Ombudsman Practice (Oct. 2001)
In August 2001, the American Bar Association (ABA) approved its recommendation, standards and report related to ombudsman practice. The documents have been posted at http://www.abanet.org/adminlaw/ombuds. The documents include a section regarding advocate ombudsmen, such as long-term care ombudsman programs, as well as sections for classical and organizational ombudsman programs.
These documents are advisory only, reflecting the opinion of an organization, not of any governmental entity. However, because of the ABA influence in political and legal circles, these standards may show up in Congressional and state legislative discussions as well as judicial decisions about ombudsman practice quite frequently in the future.
For more information, you may contact Becky Kurtz, Georgia State Ombudsman, who represented The National Association of State Ombudsmen (NASOP) on the ABA Ombudsman Steering Committee: bakurtz@dhr.state.ga.us or 404-657-5327.
Health Information for Consumers
The development of healthcare ombudsmen will be made possible if legislation introduced by Senator Jeffords is passed. S. 651 calls for the development of a health care consumer's assistance fund making available $100 Million. Learn about this legislation and how it may relate to LTCO.
Summary of Legislative Hearings March 28, 2001 pdf
