State of Utah Long-Term Care Ombudsman
An Ombudsman is a screened and trained staff member or volunteer of the State of Utah Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
Ombudsman are authorized by Federal and State laws to received complaints, investigate those allegations, and then resolve them on behalf of residents of long-term care facilities(i.e. nursing homes and assisted living facilities). An Ombudsman is an advocate for the resident.
An Ombudsman can:
- Be an objective advocate
- Provide education related to resident's rights, abuse prevention and other related topics.
- Help resolve problems within the long-term care facility.
- Provide community resources.
- Provide support to residents while dealing with concerns they may have about their care and quality of life.
Residents have the right to:
- Be treated with respect, dignity and consideration
- Exercise civil and religious liberties as a resident of Utah and the United States
- Confidentiality of personal and clinical records
- Participate in social religious and community activities
- Be informed of their medical conditions and participate in treatment planning
- Choose their own attending physician and the source of pharmacy services
- Be free from verbal, sexual, physical or mental abuse, and both chemical and physical restraints
- Be told of services, costs and items not paid for the Medicaid or Medicare
- Freedom of privacy in association and communication, including visits with anyone of their choice in or outside of the facility, mail and telephone services, and access to records and state inspections reports
- Not to be transferred or discharged without cause or notice
- Be treated without discrimination regardless of source payment
- Make complaints and express grievances without fear of discrimination or reprisal
- Manage personal and financial affairs make choices and independent decisions and issue health care directives.
Report your concerns online at https://daas.utah.gov/resident-rights/
For help with questions, concerns, or complaints call your local Long-Term Care Ombudsman 435-459-2876
