TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The head of Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs says Florida’s nursing home ombudsman program will be changed to comply with federal law.
Charles Corley outlined his plans Tuesday in an appearance before the Senate Children Families and Elder Affairs Committee.
The ombudsman serves as an advocate for residents of long-term care facilities.
A federal report last month said Florida was violating the U.S. Older Americans Act by curtailing the ombudsman’s independence.
Corley assured the panel he would not interfere with the appointment or dismissal of ombudsmen’s volunteers unless they violate the law
The committee’s chairman, Sen. Ronda Storms, meanwhile, blasted an anti-ombudsman website as “childish” and “political.”
Nursing home operators in December had urged Gov. Rick Scott to replace former Ombudsman Brian Lee. Scott ordered Lee fired in February.
Source: Associated Press
