Sec. 32.03.02.03. Training

A. The State ombudsman shall provide, and the local ombudsman shall participate in, the following training for local ombudsman:

(1) At least 14 hours of orientation to provide a working knowledge of the long-term care system and the Statewide Ombudsman Program;

(2) At least quarterly in-service meetings, each at least 1 day in duration;

(3) Technical assistance on a continuing, as-needed basis.

B. The local ombudsman shall provide, and the patient advocates shall participate in, the following training for patient advocates:

(1) At least 20 hours of initial training to provide a working knowledge of the long-term care system and the Statewide Ombudsman Program;

(2) At least quarterly in-service meetings, each at least 3 hours in duration;

(3) Technical assistance on a continuing, as-needed basis.

C. Training shall cover at least the following subjects:

(1) Physical, mental, and emotional aspects of aging;

(2) History, purpose, objectives of local ombudsman program, and relationship to State Ombudsman Program;

(3) Volunteer policies, procedures, and skills for handling complaints;

(4) Confidentiality;

(5) Overview of nursing home system;

(6) Patients' Bill of Rights-State and federal;

(7) Regulatory system-federal/State/local laws and regulations;

(8) Health care system profile and interrelationships between agencies;

(9) Family/resident council;

(10) Reading and understanding medical records.