Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman: advisory council.

Existing law, the Mello-Granlund Older Californians Act, establishes the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, under the direction of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, in the California Department of Aging. Existing law requires the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to ensure that residents have regular and timely access to the services provided through the office. Existing law requires the department to establish an 11-member advisory council for the office to provide advice and consultation to the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the Director of the California Department of Aging on issues affecting the provision of ombudsman services, including the review of proposed policy changes to the operation of the program, and to make recommendations, within 30 days, as appropriate. Existing law requires the department to notify the advisory council at least 30 days before designating a new organization or agency as an approved organization. This bill would instead require the department to establish a 13-member advisory council. The bill would extend the timeframe for the advisory council to consult with and make recommendations to the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and the director from 30 days to 45 days. The bill would also extend the timeframe for the department to notify the advisory council about designating a new organization or agency as an approved organization from 30 days to 45 days.