A. The ombudsman shall have the following functions and responsibilities:

            (1) To visit facilities on a regular basis in order to become acquainted with residents, residents’ families, facility administration and facility personnel; to promote community involvement with residents of facilities; to serve as a liaison between residents, residents’ families, facility personnel and facility administration.

            (2) To encourage residents in self-advocacy when problems are expressed and to make recommendations to the facility administration for the appropriate resolution of the problem.

            (3) To promote the development of citizen organizations to participate in the ombudsman program.

            (4) To make referrals and recommendations to the Louisiana Department of Health and the Department of Children and Family Services, where such referral is appropriate.

            (5) To provide for the training of the ombudsman, including volunteers and other representatives of the ombudsman, in:

            (a) Federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and policies with respect to long term care facilities in state.

            (b) Investigative techniques.

            (c) Such other matters as the office deems appropriate.

            (6) To provide reports to the oversight subcommittee of the joint committee on health and welfare as the subcommittee may require.

            B. No officer, employee, or other representative of the office of the state long term care ombudsman may investigate any complaint filed with the office unless the individual has received such training as may be required under Paragraph (A)(5) of this Section and has been approved by the long term care ombudsman as qualified to investigate such complaints.

            Added by Acts 1982, No. 515, §1. Acts 1988, No. 1003, §1.