Ombudsman Questions and Answers about COVID-19
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services • March 20, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released revised and expanded
guidance for nursing homes on responding to COVID-19. This letter provides detailed direction on new visitor restrictions imposed to help nursing homes control and prevent the spread of infection.
- Residents still have the right to access the Ombudsman program.
- Their access should be restricted per the guidance above (except in compassionate care situations), however, facilities may review this on a case by case basis.
- If in-person access is not available due to infection control concerns, facilities need to facilitate resident communication (by phone or other format) with the Ombudsman program or any other entity listed in 42 CFR § 483.10(f)(4)(i
Questions and Answers
- Can an ombudsman visit a nursing facility or assisted living facility (ALF)?
- No. All volunteers and staff are temporarily restricted from making an onsite facility visit. In special circumstances, an MLO may obtain approval from the State Ombudsman to conduct a facility visit to investigate a complaint.
- How long are ombudsman visits restricted?
- The restriction began on Friday, March 13, and will extend until at least April 15, 2020. The State Ombudsman will extend this time frame if necessary for the health and safety of LTC facility residents.
- Should I respond to complaints differently right now?
- Yes, some complaints must be reprioritized. Inform the complainant that your ability to work to resolve a complaint is temporarily limited to telephone and email contact with facility staff. Explain that facilities are instructed to prioritize issues related to infection control and abuse, and therefore, these are the issues you are also prioritizing. See guidance in the Complaint Procedures section of this document.
- How does an ombudsman work to resolve complaints during this time?
- Complaint intake, investigation, and resolution must be conducted by phone, email, and video calls such as FaceTime, Skype, and Duo. Specific procedures for this work are described in the “complaint procedures” section of this document.
- What information should I give to residents, their family members, and other concerned citizens?
- For information about COVID-19 and LTC facility operations, refer to the COVID-19 sections of these site:
Click here more information and to read the full Ombudsman Questions and Answers about COVID-19.
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adrian Cornejo as the new Director of the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA). In this role, Cornejo will lead efforts to develop and coordinate services that support the health, independence, and quality of life of older adults across ETCOG’s fourteen-county region. Cornejo brings a strong background in healthcare leadership and military service. He most recently worked as an Account Manager for Humana’s Institutional Special Needs Plan program, where he partnered with skilled nursing facilities to improve care coordination, leading to a 20% reduction in hospital readmissions. Earlier in his career, Cornejo served in the United States Navy for nearly two decades, rising to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and managing budgets exceeding $550 million while leading more than 350 Sailors and Marines. “Adrian’s leadership experience in both healthcare and the military has equipped him with the skills and dedication needed to serve East Texas seniors,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “His background in building partnerships and his deep commitment to public service make him a tremendous asset to our team.” Cornejo shared his enthusiasm for his new role, saying, “It is an honor to join ETCOG and to serve the seniors of East Texas. My goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place at the Area Agency on Aging and continue to expand access to services that help older adults and their families live with dignity and independence.” The AAA is administered through ETCOG and is part of a nationwide network created through the Older Americans Act of 1965. It provides a wide range of services, including information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education, senior nutrition programs, housing repair, caregiver support, and Ombudsman advocacy for individuals in long-term care facilities. These programs are designed to help older residents remain active and independent in their homes and communities for as long as possible.
Medicare Open Enrollment is right around the corner, and with so many plans and choices, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our certified benefits counselors are here to help—whether you prefer to sit down one-on-one or schedule an educational session for your group or organization. They provide clear, unbiased information about Medicare so you can make informed decisions that fit your needs. These services are free and available to individuals, families, churches, senior centers, civic clubs, and other local groups. If you or someone you know has questions about Medicare coverage, upcoming changes, or available plans, now is the time to reach out. To schedule an appointment or request a group presentation, contact us at 1-800-442-8845 or www.easttexasaaa.org/request-speaker .
