28-17-2: Purpose.

The legislature recognizes that the state agency on aging [aging and long-term services department] pursuant to a grant from the federal government has established an office of the state long-term care ombudsman. The legislature declares that it is the public policy of this state to encourage community contact and involvement with patients, residents and clients of long-term care facilities. The legislature finds that in order to comply with the federal Older Americans Act and to effectively assist patients, residents and clients of long-term care facilities in the assertion of their civil and human rights, the structure, powers and duties of the office of the state long-term care ombudsman shall be specifically defined.