N.M. Code R. § 9.2.19.12 - QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION OF LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN

A. Under the OAA, the department's cabinet secretary is mandated to select the state ombudsman. In upholding this responsibility, he or she shall ensure that the state ombudsman meets minimum qualifications, which shall include, but not be limited to, demonstrated expertise in:

(1) long-term services and supports or other direct services for older adults or individuals with disabilities;

(2) consumer-oriented public policy advocacy;

(3) satisfactorily complete the applicable training requirements set forth below.

B. To be qualified to act as a facility ombudsman, an individual must:

(1) demonstrate the capability to carry out the responsibilities of a facility ombudsman;

(2) participate in and complete all sections of the standard new volunteer training, as prescribed by the SLTCO; and

(3) leadership and program management skills;

(4) Negotiation and problem resolution skills; and

(5) any other qualifications that the department's cabinet secretary deems necessary for the state ombudsman to fulfill his or her responsibility to assist residents of long-term care facilities in the assertion of their civil and human rights, including, but not limited to, supervisory and budget experience.

C. The state ombudsman certifies an individual as an ombudsman to participate in the program, to represent the office, and for other purposes in support of the program. An individual may be certified as an ombudsman for limited purposes, depending on the degree of certification given and the role such individual assumes. The state ombudsman or his or her designee may undertake such investigations and require from the applicant such references as he or she reasonably deems necessary.

Notes

N.M. Code R. § 9.2.19.12

9.2.19.12 NMAC - N, 2/1/2001, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXVIII, Issue 24, December 26, 2017, eff. 12/29/2017