§ 7–702.03. Long-Term Care Ombudsman — Training and experience.

(a) The ombudsman shall have training and experience in the following areas:

(1) Gerontology, long-term care, health care, or relevant social services program;

(2) The legal system;

(3) Dispute resolution techniques, including investigation, mediation, or negotiation; and

(4) Long-term care advocacy.

(b) No person who has been employed by a long-term care facility or a corporation that directly or indirectly owned or operated a long-term care facility within the past 2 years shall be appointed or employed as the ombudsman.

(b-1) No person who has been directly involved in the licensing or certification of any long-term care facility shall be appointed or employed as the ombudsman.

(b-2) No person who has been employed by or participated in the management of a long-term care facility within the previous 12 months shall be appointed or employed as the ombudsman.

(c) Neither the ombudsman nor any member of his or her immediate family shall have any pecuniary interest in a long-term care facility.