The Department of Health and Human Services is the Federal government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially to those who are least able to help themselves.
In fiscal year 2007, 56 grants were made to States and related jurisdictions. 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, and educate both consumers and providers about residents' rights and good care practices. Projected Ombudsman accomplishments for 2007 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.
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 plans 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
Applicable costs and administrative procedures will be determined in accordance with Part 92 of Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Aplication 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.
Application Procedures
Consult the appropriate Regional Office for State application instructions. (See Appendix IV of the Catalog for listing).
Award Procedures
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.
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.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
States are entitled to these grants by statute.
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 $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in OMB Circular No. A-133.
Records
Records must be kept available for 3 years after submission of the final expenditure report.
Financial Information
Account Identification
75-0142-0-1-506.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $14,935,942; FY 08 est $15,421,261; FY 09 $15,421,261.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$9,228 to $1,506,829; $265,362.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
45 CFR 92 and 45 CFR 1321.
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
Frank Burns, Director, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs, Administration on Aging, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC 20001; Telephone: (202) 357-3516. Use the same number for FTS.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Awards are made on a non-competitive basis.
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