HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 11-17-20; 6-a - Proposed Merger of Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 17, 2020
Action Agenda
Item No. 6-a
SUBJECT: Proposed Merger of Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee and
Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Membership Rosters Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125
Statement from Victor Orija — State
Ombudsman
Current Status of Onsite Visitations By
Members
PURPOSE: To discuss a proposed merger of the Adult Care Home Community Advisory
Committee (ACHCAC) and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee (NHCAC) into one
committee.
BACKGROUND: Over the past few years, it has become increasingly more difficult to recruit
qualified applicants for both the ACHCAC and NHCAC. Some of this is due to the time required
to perform the duties of facilities inspection. Many of the positions are "At-Large" while other
positions are very specific to a certain professional background. More recently, in the current
COVID-19 environment, both committees have become inactive given tight restrictions on
entering facilities. This reality has impacted attracting new potential volunteers/appointees.
It should be noted though that both Committees continue to be led by very active Committee
Chairs, Shade Little for ACHCAC and Vibeke Talley for NHCAC, who along with their fellow
members have invested significant time and resources to serve the needs of the public.
COMMITTEE OVERVIEWS
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
Members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners to all positions. The Regional
Ombudsman assigned to Orange County is Autumn Cox who works for Triangle J Council of
Government (TJCOG). Prior to any appointment, Autumn Cox vets applicants. If a qualified
applicant is selected, that individual must attend state mandated training and must pass the
course before being recommended for appointment. There is an initial one-year training term,
with subsequent eligibility for three additional two-year terms. The Committee works to maintain
the intent of the Adult Care Home Residents' Bill of Rights for those residing in licensed adult care
homes. The members of this Committee also promote community involvement and cooperation
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with these homes to ensure quality care for the elderly and disabled adults. The members of this
committee make visits to facilities no less than annually.
Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners to all positions. The Regional
Ombudsman assigned to Orange County is Autumn Cox who works for Triangle J Council of
Government (TJCOG). Prior to any appointment, Autumn Cox vets applicants. If a qualified
applicant is selected, that individual must attend state mandated training and must pass the
course before being recommended for appointment. There is an initial one-year training term,
with subsequent eligibility for two additional three-year terms. This committee helps to maintain
the intent of the Residents' Bill of Rights, promotes community involvement and provides public
education on long-term care issues. The members of this committee make visits to facilities no
less than quarterly.
After completion of the visits, the team members of both committees prepare a state report of their
findings during the visit. The report is then presented at the regular committee business meetings.
The report is discussed and a vote is taken to gain approval of the report. The Ombudsman then
formats the report for submission to the particular county. The information is then published on
the county's website for public view.
LIST OF CURRENT VACANCIES
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
At-Large 10/31/2021 This position has been vacant since
07115/2020.
At-Large 06/30/2022 This position has been vacant since
05/12/2020.
At-Large 10/31/2022 This position has been vacant since
8/2/2019.
At-Large 10/31/2021 This position has been vacant since
10/31/2017.
At-Large 06/30/2022 This position has been vacant since
06103/2020.
At-Large 06/0/2022 This position has been vacant since
1/16/2020.
Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
At-Large 09/30/2020 This position has been vacant since
11106/2019.
Nursing Home 06/30/2023 This position has been vacant since
Administration 06121/2017.
Nursing Home 06/30/2023 This position has been vacant since
Administration 03/29/2019.
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At-Large 03/31/2023 This position has been vacant since
05/1812020.
At-Large 06/30/2023 This position has been vacant since
02125/2018.
Lakendra Dixon, Ombudsman Program Specialist and Autumn Cox, the Regional Ombudsman
with TJCOG who is assigned to Orange County, will be available at the meeting to provide
additional background and insight for the Board. Information from Victor Orija, State Long-Term
Care Ombudsman with the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services is attached providing some
initial guidance on the Committees and potential merger to County staff.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss merging the Adult
Care Home Community Advisory Committee and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee.
If the Board determines to merge the two Committees into one Committee, the Manager proposes
that the Board:
1) Designate the Committee as the Adult Care and Nursing Home Community Advisory
Committee (ACNHCAC) with no less than 13 positions (down from the current 24 positions
in the combined committees);
2) Direct staff to contact all current members of both current Committees updating those
individuals on the merger and sharing the Board's desire that everyone continue serving
the public on the new Committee; and
3) Direct staff to provide a follow-up item for Board consideration detailing a Charge for the
new Committee, updating the Board on feedback from current members of both
Committees, providing a proposed list of individuals for appointment to the new Committee
based on that feedback, and including a membership roster detailing the remaining
vacancies.
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Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
Meeting Times: 4:00 pm-5:30 pm First Tuesday Monthly Contact Person:Autumn Cox
Meeting Place: Seymour Center Contact Phone: 919-558-9401
Positions: 12 Length:2 years Terms: 3
Description: Members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners to at-large positions. There is an initial one-year training term with
subsequent eligibility for three additional two-year terms.This committee works to maintain the intent of the Adult Care
Home Residents'Bill of Rights for those residing in licensed adult care homes. The members of this committee also promote
community involvement and cooperation with these homes to ensure quality care for the elderly and disabled adults.
Tiketha Collins
1 First Appointed: 09/04/2018
Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/10/2020
Ethnic Background: African American Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2022
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
VACANT
2 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 10/31/2021
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Alison Brown
3 First Appointed: 11/13/2018
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/10/2020
Ethnic Background: African American Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2021
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
VACANT
4 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2022
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
VACANT
5 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 10/31/2022
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Shade Little
6 Chair First Appointed: 11/13/2018
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/10/2020
Ethnic Background: Other Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 10/31/2022
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Tuesday,October 06,2020 Page 1
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Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee
Meeting Times: 4:00 pm-5:30 pm First Tuesday Monthly Contact Person:Autumn Cox
Meeting Place: Seymour Center Contact Phone: 919-558-9401
Positions: 12 Length:2 years Terms: 3
VACANT
7 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 10/31/2021
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
VACANT
8 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2022
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Olivia Fisher
9 One Year Initial Term First Appointed: 06/04/2019
Gender Identity: Female Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 06/04/2019
Ethnic Background: White Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/04/2020
Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms:
VACANT
10 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2022
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
MaryLou Gelblum
I I One Year Initial Term First Appointed: 06/04/2019
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/04/2019
Ethnic Background: White Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2020
Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Karen Green-McElveen
12 One Year Initial Term First Appointed: 06/04/2019
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/04/2019
Ethnic Background: African American Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/04/2020
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Tuesday,October 06,2020 Page 2
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Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Meeting Times: 5:30 pm Every other 1 st Tuesday starting with Jan. Contact Person:Autumn Cox
Meeting Place: Seymour Center,2551 Homestead Rd Chapel Hill,NC Contact Phone: 919-558-9401
Positions: 12 Length:3 years Terms: 2
Description: All appointments are made by the Board of Commissioners.This committee helps to maintain the intent of the Residents'Bill
of Rights,promotes community involvement and provides public education on long-term care issues. The regional
ombudsman with Triangle J Council of Governments provides specialized training and support.
Martha Bell
1 First Appointed: 10/06/2015
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2019
Ethnic Background: White Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 01/31/2022
Age Range: Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms: 2
Dr. Diane Stoy
2 One Year Initial Term First Appointed: 05/14/2020
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 05/14/2020
Ethnic Background: White Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 05/14/2021
Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms:
VACANT
3 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2023
Age Range: Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms:
Stephanie Boswell
4 First Appointed: 09/04/2018
Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 12/02/2019
Ethnic Background: White Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2020
Age Range: Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms:
VACANT
5 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2023
Age Range: Special Repr: Nursing Home Administration Number of Terms:
Jacqulyn Podger
6 One Year Initial Term First Appointed: 09/17/2019
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 09/17/2019
Ethnic Background: White Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/17/2020
Age Range: Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms:
Tuesday,October 06,2020 Page 1
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Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Meeting Times: 5:30 pm Every other 1 st Tuesday starting with Jan. Contact Person:Autumn Cox
Meeting Place: Seymour Center,2551 Homestead Rd Chapel Hill,NC Contact Phone: 919-558-9401
Positions: 12 Length:3 years Terms: 2
VACANT
7 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2023
Age Range: Special Repr: Nursing Home Administration Number of Terms:
VACANT
8 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2023
Age Range: Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms:
Linda Davis
9 One Year Initial Term First Appointed: 10/15/2019
Gender Identity: Female Township: Eno Current Appointment: 10/15/2019
Ethnic Background: White Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 10/15/2020
Age Range: Special Repr: At-Large Number of Tetras:
VACANT
10 First Appointed:
Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment:
Ethnic Background: Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2023
Age Range: Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms:
Dr Carol Kelly
11 First Appointed: 09/20/2016
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/10/2020
Ethnic Background: White Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2022
Age Range: Special Repr: Nursing Home Administration Number of Terms: 2
Vibeke Talley
12 Chair First Appointed: 05/20/2014
Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/10/2020
Ethnic Background: White Resid/Spec Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2022
Age Range: Special Repr: Nursing Home Administration Number of Terms: 2
Tuesday,October 06,2020 Page 2
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Statement from Victor Orija - State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Dear Thom Freeman:
Ms.Autumn Cox, our regional long-term care ombudsman has forwarded your e-mail to
me. Also,I read the e-mail from Mr.John Roberts.
The issue is the vacancy.I do not recall the ombudsman's office appointing anyone to fill a
vacancy.Traditionally,vacancies have been filled through advertisements by the commissioners.
The ombudsman recruits by advertising on the county website,posted flyers in both senior
centers,conducted numerous speaking events in the county where she gave an overview of the
CAC program,passed out flyers,and also by word of mouth from other volunteers on the
committee.
In extreme situation,committees have been combined.Unfortunately,the pandemic is creating
a hardship for us to recruit or enter a long-term care facility.
These are the two options: Combine two committees, or fill the vacancy.
Since the Emergency Declaration by the President in March 2020, ombudsmen have been
restricted from entering long-term care facilities.Consequently, our office also extended this
restriction to all representatives of The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
Representatives include all Community Advisory Committee volunteers (CAC volunteers).This
restriction has continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic duration.
As of now, CAC volunteers,just like our regional long-term care ombudsmen remain restricted
from entering long-term care facilities to conduct any advocacy.The ombudsmen are engaged
in virtual complaint resolution and advocacy efforts. Our CAC volunteers do not investigate
complaints.Furthermore,training a new CAC volunteer includes facility orientation.At this
time, a CAC volunteer cannot enter a long-term care facility.Any new volunteer cannot enter a
long-term care facility to undergo facility orientation because of the restriction.
Soon,the ombudsman will be able to re-enter long-term care facilities and CAC volunteers who
are already certified and designated,will be able to resume virtual training and meetings.
Shortly after that,we will assess to ensure that it's safe for current CAC volunteers to re-enter
long-term care facilities.From that point,we will start training new volunteers for certification
and designation.
IF you decide to combine two committees, I will suggest that you send a request to our Director,
Division of Aging and Adult Services at the address below.The other option is to wait until full
re-entry into long-term care facilities are resumed.Please advise if any additional questions.
Sincerely,
Victor Orija
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
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Division of Aging and Adult Services
NC Department of Health and Human Services
919-855-3426 office
919-715-6782 fax
Victor.Orij ao dhhs.nc.gov
693 Palmer Drive, Raleigh. NC 27603
2101 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2101
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Yr�r�wtio
NC DEPARTMENT OF ROY COOPER • Governor
HEALTH AND MANDYcoHEN, MD, MPH • Secretary
HUMAN SERVICES JOYCE MASSEYSMITH, MPA -
' Director, Division of Aging and Adult Services
�F'�QWMNoa"x
MEMORANDUM
Date: March 23, 2020
To: Regional Ombudsman
From: Victor Orija, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman ; ®�
Re: COVID-19 Outbreak—NC LTCOP Guidance (Revised—page 1 (suspension of visit to
facility) and pages 3 & 4 (how to obtain resident consent)
North Carolina continues to be affected by the Coronavirus. As indicated in the Guidance issued
on March 11, 2020, I encourage you to visit the COVID-19 Section of the NCDHHS website,
which has a number of resources and guidance for individuals, groups, and organizations that
will be updated frequently. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)has also
launched a COVID-19 website with several useful resources and ongoing updates.
Here's a link to CMS's guidance for nursing homes. hitps://ww-w.ems.gov/medicareprovider-
enrollnient-and-certidcationsurvc eertifcationgeninfo.olio -an.di ruidan.ce-infection-control-
and-prevention-coronavirus-disease-2019-Govid-19-nunr b:ig-homes
As of March 13, CMS revised Memorandum S -2 -1 -N It reads:
Facilities should restrict visitation of all visitors and non-essential health care personnel, except for
certoin compassionate care situations, such as an end-of-life situation.
As such,NC LT COP is doing the follywing:
1. Effective March 17, 2020, all CAC activities -training, meetings, facility visitation are
suspended until further notice.
2. Effective March 17, 2020,regional ombudsmen will suspend until further notice, all visit
(friendly,training, complaint resolution)to long-term care facilities except for end-of-life
scenarios
3. Any ombudsman who visits for end-of-life scenario will adhere to the screening protocol
per CMS' Memorandum.
4. In lieu of visitation to long-term care facilities, regional ombudsmen will conduct
complaint resolution and other advocacy duties by telephone, e-mail, skype etc. Per
CMS' Memorandum, facilities should consider these alternate options.
NC DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES • DIVISION OF AGING AND ADULT SERVICES
LOCATION:693 Palmer Drive,Taylor Hall,Raleigh, NC 27603
MAILING ADDREss:2101 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2101
www.nodhhs.gov • TEL:919-855-3400 • FAX:919-733-0443
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY I AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
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5. Facilities must ensure that residents still have access to the ombudsman per 42 CFR
§483.1 0(f)(4)(i),
NC's current and up-to-date information including specific guidance for businesses, education
and health care providers can be found here:
• 11ress Release: Governor`s "1 ask Force Encourages N(�rtli Carolinians to Increase
I Ir M.Kedness.Measures for COV D-19
• Co ronavirus Disease 2019 i"COVID-19) Resyonse in North Carolina
• CDC COVID-19 website
• North Carolina State;Laboratc�r°y ol`l rblic l ealtl lovcl C:�r rra�-irtts C r�idance
If you have questions or concerns, call the COVID-19 Helpline toll free at 1-866-462-3821. To
submit questions online, go to wwwjLcp�soncorgol.or, and select"chat."
Instruction from CDC for healthcare facilities: htt s://wNAT�v.cdc.,ov/coronavirus/201.9-
ncov/healtheare-facilities/ reverrt-s read-in lorr ters�i-care-facilities.htrnl
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU'RE INVITED TO A FACILITY FOR AN END-OF-
LIFE SCENARIO
O
A. TO DOs
1. Before visiting ANY facilities,all ombudsmen should carefully review the following fact sheets
(attached to this memo)from the U.S. Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control:
a. What You Should Know, https.://www.cdc,Rov/coro.navirus/2019-
ncov/about/index.html
b. What You Should Do If You Are Sick,
hit s:Iiwww.cdc. ovlcoronavirus12019-ncovlaboutlinde .htrnl
2. The CDC has a short video about handwashing. All ombudsmen and CAC volunteers should
review this video or the CDC factsheet(attached to this memo)on handwashing prior to visiting a
long-term care facility.
a. "What You Need to Know about Handwashing"Visit tt s:/Ivc�artu.bc/d914n L14I o
3. Check your email regularly for updates from the Office of the State Long-Term Care
Ombudsman
B. Instructions for Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus
The following information is taken from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) Factsheet"What You Should Know" and other sources such as CDC, CMS,NC State
Government, Consumer Voice, and Washington. State LTCOP.
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DO:
T1. Stay at least six feet away from people who are sick or showing symptoms such as
coughing or sneezing.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Wash your hands
before and after eating, and after using the bathroom. If soap and water are not available,
use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when out in public.
DO NOT:
1. Shake hands with others until this health crisis has passed.
2. Use facemasks unless you are sick. Facemasks generally do not prevent you from
exposure to the coronavirus.
3. Touch residents, staff, or others while visiting a care facility.
C. What to do if you are sick or have symptoms?
I. As a Long-Term Care Ombudsman, you should put your own health and safety before the
needs of residents.
2. If you are showing signs of illness (coughing, sneezing, or fever), stay home and do not
visit any facility even if invited for an end-of-life scenario.
3. Coughing, sneezing, and fever do not necessarily mean that you have COVID-19,
however use precaution. If you are sick, call your healthcare provider and then notify
your supervisor as soon as possible.
If you or your family are personally affected by the emergency, take care of yourself and your
family first. As soon as possible, please notify your AAA Director, and the State LTCO.
D. The Role of Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Ombudsmen are not to fill the roles of first responders or medical experts. Leave this work to be
done by law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters, public health officials, and other local authorities.
The responsibilities of ombudsmen remain the same before, during, and after emergencies. You
are the residents' advocate. Please continue complaint resolution by telephone, skype etc.
How can we determine or verify if a resident has a decision maker when we cannot personally
visit?
a) As necessary,you will have to ask the facility staff if they can fax the document or
accept the facility's verbal verification until you can physically confirm. Note: the
LTC Ombudsman program rule directs the program to "ascertain," it does not say
how.
45 CFR 1324.19 (b) (iv) In determining whether to rely upon a resident representative
to communicate or make determinations on behalf of the resident related to complaint
processing, the Ombudsman or representative of the Office shall ascertain the extent
of the authority that has been granted to the resident representative under court order
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(in the case of a guardian or conservator), by power of attorney or other document by
which the resident has granted authority to the representative, or under other applicable
State or Federal law.
1. Obtain verbal consent by telephone.
2. How shall we obtain written consent to access records?
a) Follow your program's policies and procedures; where the resident or resident
representative communicates informed consent orally or by using other
technology, document this consent as it occurs.
b) Mail a consent form to the resident, with a pre-addressed, stamped envelope for
return or;
c) Ask staff if they have time to help by receiving a faxed form that they assist the
resident to sign and then fax back.
3. What about disclosure of resident records or other information?
a. Follow and reinforce your program's policies and procedures regarding disclosure.
b. Obtain verbal consent from the resident and document this consent as it occurs.
c. Mail a consent to disclose form to the resident, with a pre-addressed, stamped
envelope for return or;
d. Ask staff if they have time to help by receiving a faxed form that they assist the
resident to sign and then fax back.
All communications with residents, complainants, others,via e-mail or other methods are
considered Ombudsman programm information and disclosure provisions apply.
F. How to Address Coronavirus Concerns During This Emergency
1. As applicable, contact by telephone, facility resident council or family council. Be
prepared to answer questions about coronavirus. Follow up on any complaints or
questions that you don't know the answer to.
2. Obtain the name and contact information for key Resident Council members so you can
contact them.
3. Obtain a current roster of and contact information of residents
4. Contact the facility administrator, director of nursing or social worker to see if there are
any new concerns related to COVID-19. Find out about the facility plan and response
during this emergency. Inquire about their communication plans for residents and outside
callers. How will the facility communicate with residents and their family members or
representatives?
S. Document and share any concerns, challenges, or helpful ideas with the State LTC
Ombudsman.
On March 13, 2020, CMS issued a revised Memorandum Ref: QSO-20-14-NH. This memo
includes the following statement regarding resident access to Ombudsman program services:
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Residents still have the right to access the Ombudsman program. If in-person access is
allowable, use the guidance mentioned above. If in-person access is not available due to
infection control concerns, facilities need to facilitate resident communication(by phone
or other formats with the Ombudsman program or any other entity listed in 42 CFR
§483.1 Q(f)(4)(i).
NOTE: We will compile a list of FA Qs and distribute to you.
ACL, CDC,CMS,NC State Govt,Consumer Voice,WA State LTCOP
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