§ 37-2-33. Powers of Ombudsman
The ombudsman may appoint such deputy ombudsmen and staff as may be deemed necessary to effectively fulfill the purposes of this article and establish the compensation thereof, within the limits of the funds available for the purposes of the ombudsman. The duties of the deputy ombudsmen and staff may include the duties and powers of […]
§ 37-2-34. Ombudsman and Other Office Personnel Deemed Members of Department Work Force for Certain Purposes
The ombudsman and persons employed by or acting as agents of the ombudsman shall be deemed members of the work force of the department solely for the purposes of: Allowing the department to disclose confidential clinical records and protected health information to the ombudsman as provided for in Code Section 37-2-36; Protecting confidential clinical records […]
§ 37-2-35. Duties of Ombudsman
The ombudsman shall: Establish priorities, policies and procedures for receiving, investigating, referring, and attempting to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of consumers concerning any act, omission to act, practice, policy, or procedure of a services provider that may adversely affect the safety, well-being, and rights of consumers and any policies and procedures necessary […]
§ 37-2-36. Investigations
The ombudsman on his or her initiative or in response to complaints made by or on behalf of consumers may conduct investigations in matters within his or her powers and duties as provided by this article. The ombudsman shall have the authority to enter any facility, premises, or property where disability services are provided. Upon […]
§ 37-2-37. Investigation Report; Referrals to Division and Other Appropriate Agencies
Following an investigation, the ombudsman shall report his or her opinions or recommendations to the following, as applicable: the consumer, parent of a minor consumer, guardian of the consumer, health care agent of the consumer, estate representative, services provider, and the division and shall attempt to resolve the complaint using, whenever possible, informal techniques of […]
§ 37-2-38. Confidentiality; Disclosure of Information
The identity of any complainant or individual providing information on behalf of the consumer or complainant relevant to the investigation of a complaint shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed without the express written permission of such person, unless such disclosure is necessary for the department or services provider to protect the safety, well-being, […]
§ 37-2-39. Notice of Complaint Procedure
The ombudsman shall prepare and distribute to each services provider in the state a written notice describing the procedure to follow in making a complaint, including the address and telephone number of the office and the ombudsman. The administrator or person in charge of such services provider shall give the written notice required by this […]
§ 37-2-30. Definitions
As used in this article, the term: “Advance directive for health care” means a written document voluntarily executed by a patient in accordance with the requirements of Code Section 31-32-5. “Clinical record” means a written record pertaining to an individual consumer and shall include all medical records, progress notes, charts, admission and discharge data, and […]
§ 37-2-31. Creation of Office of Disability Services Ombudsman
There is created the office of disability services ombudsman. The chief officer of such office shall be the ombudsman. The office and the ombudsman shall: Be charged with promoting the safety, well-being, and rights of consumers; Have the powers and duties set forth in this article; and Act independently of any state official, department, or […]