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Project Description:
The formation of an Ombudsman Program
Mufti-Disciplinary Team Committee. This committee meets in Charleston on a
quarterly basis and is presided over by the State Long Term Care Ombudsman and
Regional Ombudsman Program Supervisor. Difficult cases and difficult
questions pertaining to the Ombudsman Program. arc presented to members of the
team for their input as to how these issues can be addressed. Frequently ethical
type dilemmas are reviewed. Often issues discussed are controversial and seem to
have no easy answers, normal recommendations are solicited from the team as to
how those and thorny issues can be solved. The team. is comprised. of eleven
members who represent ten disciplines. The confidentiality of residents and
staff are at all times honored.
Impact:
The impact: has been to have a
forum in which difficult and. controversial issues are discussed. Ofen time good
ideas are obtained from the team. Frequently potential critics of the way the
Ombudsman Program function are given the chance to present their ideas.
Certainly, having good team members with a variety of experiences in various
areas can be a real asset in helping to give the Ombudsman Program direction.
It seems that the State Ombudsman, the Regional Program, and the participants of
the team view our meetings in a positive light. The team meeting serves as an
educational experience for all team members and the decisions reached hopefully
enables us to have a better Ombudsman Program.
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