Section 441.403 – Office of Long Term Care Ombudsman; terms; appointment; confirmation; qualifications.

(1) The office of the Long Term Care Ombudsman is established. The Long Term Care Ombudsman shall function separately and independently from any other state agency. The Governor shall appoint the Long Term Care Ombudsman for a four-year term from a list of three nominees nominated by the Residential Ombudsman and Public Guardianship Advisory Board established under ORS 441.416. The appointment of the Long Term Care Ombudsman is subject to Senate confirmation under ORS 171.562 and 171.565. A vacancy shall be filled within 60 days in the same manner as an appointment is made.

(2) The Long Term Care Ombudsman may be removed for just cause, upon recommendation to the Governor by the Residential Ombudsman and Public Guardianship Advisory Board.

(3) The Long Term Care Ombudsman shall have background and experience in the following areas:

(a) The fields of aging, mental health or developmental disabilities;

(b) Physical or behavioral health care;

(c) Working with community programs;

(d) Strong understanding of long term care issues, both regulatory and policy;

(e) Working with health care providers;

(f) Working with and involvement in volunteer programs; and

(g) Administrative and managerial experience.

(4) The Long Term Care Ombudsman may hire up to 10 deputy ombudsmen as necessary to perform the duties of the ombudsman. [Formerly 441.103; 2017 c.441 §11; 2019 c.504 §1]