Ch. 133

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1983 Replacement Volume and 1987 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article 70B - Office on Aging

5.

(a)  The Director on Aging shall receive, investigate, and
seek to resolve complaints concerning the operations of related
institutions, as defined in § 19-301 of the Health - General
Article, and he may, on his own motion, make on-site visits to
determine if these institutions are in compliance with applicable
laws, rules, and regulations.

(b)  If the Director on Aging finds that any such related
institution is in violation of any statute, rule, or regulation
of any State agency which is directly and specifically charged
with the regulation of any aspect of the institution, he or she
shall immediately notify that agency in writing of the findings
of fact. If the violation or condition is not corrected within a
reasonable time, the Director shall, with the prior approval of
the Commission on Aging, request the State agency to take the
steps necessary to bring the institution into compliance, and the
agency shall take appropriate action.

(C) THERE IS ESTABLISHED IN THE OFFICE ON AGING A MARYLAND
LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM. THE DIRECTOR ON AGING SHALL
DESIGNATE A MARYLAND LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN.

[(c)] (D) (1) The Director on Aging may delegate [his] THE
DIRECTOR'S authority under subsection (a) of this section to the
MARYLAND LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN AND to the director of a local
office on aging in accordance with a local [nursing home
ombudsman program] LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM established
pursuant to regulations promulgated by the State Director on
Aging.

(2) The regulations shall provide for:

(i) Minimum training requirements for all
program staff and volunteers;

(ii) Cooperation with the Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene;

(iii) Annual review of all ombudsman activities
by the State Office on Aging;

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