AN ACT appropriating funds to the department of health and human services, division of aging and adult services, to enhance protections for residents of long‑term care facilities by moving the state's long‑term care ombudsman program toward national standards.

Whereas, Ombudsmen serve and protect some of the most vulnerable and needy citizens in our State–residents of nursing homes, adult care homes, and family care homes; and

Whereas, Ombudsmen advocate for residents' rights; work to improve the quality of care provided in facilities; and assist residents, family members, and providers in resolving potentially contentious issues without resorting to formal complaint processes, thereby saving the State and residents time and resources; and

Whereas, the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services, oversees the State Long‑Term Care Ombudsman Program; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services, the sum of nine hundred fifty thousand dollars ($950,000) in recurring funds for the 2023‑2024 fiscal year and the sum of nine hundred eighty‑two thousand dollars ($982,000) in recurring funds for the 2024‑2025 fiscal year to create 10 full‑time equivalent ombudsman positions within the Office of the State Long‑Term Care Ombudsman in the Division of Aging and Adult Services in order to move North Carolina toward national standards for long‑term care ombudsman programs.

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2023.