Special Programs for the Aging-Title VII, Chapter 2-Long Term Care Ombudsman Services for Older Individuals (93.042)
Program
93.042 Special Programs for the Aging-Title VII, Chapter 2-Long Term Care Ombudsman Services for Older Individuals
Federal Agency
ADMINISTRATION ON AGING, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Authorization
Older Americans Act of 1965, Title III and Title VII, Chapter 2, Public Law 89-73, as amended; Public Law 90-42, 81 Stat. 106; Public Law 91-69, 83 Stat. 108; Public Law 93-29, 87 Stat. 30; Public Law 93-351, 88 Stat. 357; Public Law 94-135, 89 Stat. 713; Public Law 95-65, 91 Stat. 269; Public Law 95-478; 92 Stat. 1513; Public Law 97-115, 95 Stat. 1595; Public Law 98-459, 98 Stat. 1767; Public Law 100- 175, 101 Stat. 926; Section 705, Public Law 100-628; 42 U.S.C. 3022- 3030(d); Public Law 102-375; Public Law 106-501.
Program Number
93.042
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
The principal role of this Ombudsman Program is to investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities. Ombudsmen also promote policies and practices needed to improve the quality of care and life in long-term care facilities; educate both consumers and providers about residents' rights and good care practices; and help to prevent both resident abuse and costly fraud against the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Types of Assistance
Formula Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds are awarded to States to develop or strengthen service systems through designated State Agencies on Aging, Area Agencies on Aging and other local entities. Funds under this Title and Chapter are included in State aging plan covering 2, 3, or 4 years, with annual revisions as necessary, submitted for approval to the Assistant Secretary for Aging. Funds are used to design and implement programs for the provision of long-term care ombudsman services for older individuals living in long-term care facilities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
All States and U.S. Territories which have State Agencies on Aging designated by the governors.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Older individuals residing in institutional long-term care facilities or requiring assistance in entering or transferring from such facilities.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with 45 CFR, Parts 74 and 92.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is subject to the State Plan Coordination Section of E.O. 12372. State plans are covered under this Section, but Intergovernmental Consultation Review is excluded. This program requires coordination in accordance with 45 CFR 74 and 92.
Application Procedure
Consult the appropriate Regional Office for State application instructions. (See Appendix IV of the Catalog for listing.)
Award Procedure
The Administration on Aging awards funds through a statutory formula to State Agencies on Aging.
Deadlines
Funds are awarded to State Agencies on Aging annually, based on the Federal fiscal year.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Appeals are processed in accordance with HHS regulations in 45 CFR 16.
Renewals
Applications are submitted for a 2-, 3-, or 4-year period and revised as necessary.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
No matching is required. The statistical factor used for fund allocation is the State population of persons 60 years of age and over and the source is the most recent data available to the Assistant Secretary for Aging. In addition, minimum allotments are established for smaller States and Territories. Statistical factors for eligibility do not apply to this program. This program has maintenance of effort (MOE) requirements. See funding agency for further details.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
One year.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
SF 269 Financial Status Report (Semi-annual), and the annual program report.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of State and Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards is exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in OMB Circular No. A-133.
Records
Financial records must be kept available for 3 years after submission of expenditure reports and 5 years after final disposition of non-expendable property in accordance with the regulations at 45 CFR 74, Subpart D.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2002, 55 grants were made to States and related jurisdictions. It is estimated that 55 grants will be made in fiscal year 2003 and in fiscal year 2004. The principal role of the Ombudsman Program is to investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents. Ombudsmen also promote policies and practices needed to improve the quality of care and life in long-term care facilities; educate both consumers and providers about residents' rights and good care practices. programs. Projected Ombudsman accomplishments for 2003 include: identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents; provide information to residents about long-term care services; represent the interests of residents before governmental agencies and seek administrative, legal and other remedies to protect residents; analyze, comment on and recommend changes in laws and regulations pertaining to the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents; educate and inform consumers and the general public regarding issues and concerns related to long-term care and facilitate public comment on laws, regulations, policies and actions; promote the development of citizen organizations to participate in the program; provide technical support for the development of resident and family councils to protect the well-being and rights of residents; and advocate for changes to improve resident's quality of life and care. Ombudsmen will investigate complaints made by over 161,000 individuals and provide information on long-term care to another 283,000 or more people. Seventy-four of complaints will be resolved or partially resolved.
Financial Information
Account Identification
75-0142-0-1-506.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $12,499,000; FY 03 est $13,361,581; and FY 04 est $12,449,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$8,267 to $1,309,732; average $228,068.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
45 CFR 1321, 74, and 1327.
Related Programs
93.041, Special Programs for the Aging_Title VII, Chapter 3_Programs for Prevention of Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation; 93.043, Special Programs for the Aging_Title III, Part D_Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Services; 93.044, Special Programs for the Aging_Title III, Part B_Grants for Supportive Services and Senior Centers; 93.045, Special Programs for the Aging_Title III, Part C_Nutrition Services; 93.048, Special Programs for the Aging_Title IV_and Title II_Discretionary Projects; 93.052, National Family Caregiver Support.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Regional Administrator, Administration on Aging, Department of Health and Human Services, Regional Offices. (See Appendix IV of the Catalog.)
Headquarters Office
Mr. Edwin L. Walker, Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Programs, Washington, DC 20001. Telephone: (202) 401-4634. Use the same number for FTS.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Awards are made on a non-competitive basis.
