Originally, Genny Lutzel, Deniese James-Itz, Cindy Napolitan, and I had planned to do a Zoom and walk through the proposed new rules, amendments, and repeals with the group. But once we dug in, we realized, they are much more straightforward than the overwhelming document led us to first believe. After an extremely long worksession, we decided sending you a slide deck that you can review at your leisure is far better than a Zoom.
Please take the time to read it HERE , use the links, and send a comment or two to HHSC.
On the whole, the rules are good. We don't understand why they are all in the TAC instead of in the Long-term Care Ombudsman Policy and Procedure Manual but for the most part, the rules are good.
The ombudsman program is critical for residents in long-term care facilities and it is important that they have the tools and support in our Texas Administrative Code to help them to do the best job possible and not create barriers to investigations and advocacy.
Having said that, we did have a few observations that we will likely be sending to HHSC and only a couple of things that we actually object to.
Each of us - Genny, Deniese, Cindy,- have our own areas of the rules that we personally want to focus on. FOR ME, it is that no rules should be amended or added that delay or interfere with an ombudsman's access to records and documents necessary for an ombudsmen to assist in the resolution of a resident's concern or issue.
Our group (Texas Caregivers for Compromise) works very hard when we work. But in reality we do so very little for residents in comparison to AARP Texas, Disability Rights Texas, etc. and the Office of the Texas Long-term Care Ombudsman. But they can't do it alone because so few people speak up for long-term care. Residents need us. And we can do this.
If you do nothing else, please at least email ltc.ombudsman@hhs.texas.gov and let them know that you support the progam, appreciate the ombudsmen, and want them to continue doing the best job possible for our loved ones in long-term care.
We are Texas Caregivers for Compromise and we are #notgoingaway!