Ombudsman functions and responsibilities

A. The ombudsman shall have the following functions and responsibilities: (1) To receive, investigate, and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of persons who live in facilities described in this Chapter concerning any act, omission, practice, or procedure that may adversely affect the health, safety, or welfare of any such person. (2) To visit such facilities on a regular basis, in order to become acquainted with the persons living there, their families, facility administration, and facility personnel. (3) To serve as a liaison between persons living there, their families, facility administration, and facility personnel. (4) To encourage persons living there in self advocacy when problems are expressed and to make recommendations to the facility, group home, or community home administration for the appropriate resolution of the problem. (5) To promote awareness of the ombudsman program. B. No person may serve as an ombudsman without appropriate training and certification.