Library: Policy

340:105-11-240. Training

Revised 9-15-17

The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Office) prohibits investigation of any complaint by Office staff or an ombudsman volunteer, unless the person satisfactorily completed training required by the Office, and is approved by the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (Ombudsman) as qualified to investigate complaints.

(1) Office staff:

(A) orients and trains ombudsman staff representatives and determines satisfactory completion of prescribed training;

(B) develops and periodically updates training core curriculum;

(C) assists area ombudsman staff train ombudsman volunteers;

(D) provides on a quarterly basis, a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education and training to ombudsman supervisors per year;

(E) provides community education with area staff;

(F) officially certifies newly-trained, ombudsman volunteers who met screening criteria; and

(G) assists in the development of citizen organizations to participate in the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

(2) Area ombudsman staff:

(A) holds public workshops for community education and volunteer recruitment;

(B) trains ombudsman volunteer applicants using the Office-prescribed core training format;

(C) submits the name, facility assignment, and original signed Form 02OM003E, Ombudsman Volunteer Application, of each volunteer recommended for designation;

(D) accompanies each newly-certified ombudsman volunteer on at least one introductory visit to the assigned facility to reinforce training and ensure the ombudsman volunteer's understanding of the ombudsman role; and

(E) holds monthly meetings for continued training and supervision of designated ombudsman volunteers to annually achieve a minimum of 18 hours per volunteer of continuing education relevant to the care of older persons and persons with disabilities.