New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department Long-Term Care Ombudsman Bureau page

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Bureau advocates for the recognition, respect and enforcement of the civil and human rights of residents of long-term care facilities in New Mexico. In addition to a small number of highly skilled staff, many volunteers throughout the state regularly visit nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to ensure that residents are properly treated. The Ombudsman Bureau’s primary duty is to investigate and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of residents. In discharging this duty, the Bureau often coordinates with other state agencies, including the Department of Health, Human Services Department, and the Adult Protective Services Division of the Aging & Long-Term Services Department.

Objectives

Staff will visit all nursing facilities in the state at least annually, and volunteers will make contact at least quarterly, in order to offer residents regular opportunities for complaint resolution and advocacy.
Expand ombudsman coverage to additional long-term care settings, including but not limited to assisted living centers and adult day care centers.
Plan and implement at least two undercover quality-of-care evaluations in long-term care facilities annually.
Advocate for increased minimum staffing requirements in long-term care facilities.
Advocate for stronger regulation of assisted living facilities.

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