An Act Regarding the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program

Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §5107-A,  as amended by PL 2001, c. 596, Pt. B, §9 and affected by §25, is further amended by adding after the 2nd paragraph a new paragraph to read:

The ombudsman may provide advocacy during the hospital discharge process to assist patients with complex medical needs who experience significant barriers in accessing long-term services and supports. If the ombudsman provides advocacy, the ombudsman shall ensure that the patient has information regarding available options including, but not limited to: home and community-based services provided under MaineCare or funded by the State; admission to a residential care facility as defined in section 7852, subsection 14 and licensed according to section 7801; admission to a nursing facility licensed according to section 1817; and admission to an assisted living facility or program licensed pursuant to chapter 1663 or 1664. The ombudsman also may provide assistance to the patient after discharge from the hospital.

Sec. 2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF (FORMERLY DHS)

Office of Aging and Disability Services Central Office 0140

Initiative: Provides funds to contract for 2 additional positions in the long-term care ombudsman program to provide information on options and assist patients with complex medical needs with overcoming barriers to admission in a residential care facility, nursing facility or assisted living facility or program and provide services to facilities subsequent to placement of patients with complex medical needs.

GENERAL FUND	2015-16	2016-17
All Other	$0	$150,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$0	$150,000