Connecticut Senate Bill SB00311

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/17
• Refer: 1/19/17

Caption

An Act Establishing An Assistant State Ombudsman Position And Expanding The Duties Of The Office Of The Long-term Care Ombudsman.

Impact

By establishing this new position within the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, the bill seeks to bolster the state's ability to ensure quality care and services for individuals receiving long-term care at home. This expansion of duties is essential in supporting the diverse needs of an aging population, ultimately aiming to enhance the overall quality of care. The oversight provided by this new ombudsman position will serve as a critical resource for families and service providers alike, facilitating better communication and resolution of care-related issues.

Summary

SB00311 proposes the establishment of an Assistant State Ombudsman position and aims to enhance the responsibilities of the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The bill intends to address the oversight of home and community-based services, which is increasingly relevant due to the growing aging population and the emphasis on providing care in less institutionalized settings. This initiative reflects a movement towards more comprehensive support systems for the elderly in the community rather than in traditional nursing home settings.

Contention

While the bill has clear benefits in terms of increased oversight and support for long-term care services, there may be discussions regarding funding and resource allocation for this new position. Some stakeholders might express concerns about whether the establishment of the Assistant State Ombudsman will come with adequate financial support, or if it could lead to additional bureaucratic challenges. Nonetheless, the intent behind SB00311 is fundamentally to enhance the structure for advocating for the rights and needs of those receiving long-term care services.