Washington Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents of long-term care facilities, protecting and promoting Resident Rights guaranteed under federal and state law. The program receives and responds to complaints, conducts independent research, advocates before the legislature, and monitors state agencies that license and inspect facilities. The state-level office coordinates a statewide network of regional and volunteer ombudsmen, maintains a uniform complaint/reporting system, and protects records confidentiality.