The White House and the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, in response to complaints concerning the abuse and neglect of nursing home residents, initiated the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTC) Program to improve the quality of care and ensure the Rights of Residents in nursing homes across America. Originally a pilot project, this program was elevated to a statutory level in the Older Americans Act of 1978. This federal statute mandated that all state agencies on aging establish an Ombudsman Program to serve their state's residents.

The North Carolina State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is housed within the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services, part of the Department of Health and Human Services. A regional Ombudsman Program operates within each of the 17 Area Agencies on Aging.

The North Carolina Ombudsman Program serves long-term care residents in licensed Nursing Homes and Adult Care Homes, collaborating with families, facilities, and others to enhance the quality of life for these residents.

The major responsibilities of the Ombudsman Program include:

• Receiving and attempting to resolve complaints or concerns made by or on behalf of residents in long-term care facilities
• Providing information to the public on long-term care issues
• Promoting community involvement with long-term care facilities and residents
• Working with long-term care providers to resolve issues affecting the welfare of residents
• Assisting long-term care providers with staff training, particularly on Resident’s Rights (link)
• Training and assisting Community Advisory Committees

Community Advisory Committee members are appointed by the County Commissioners in the county where they live and will serve. They receive training and supportive assistance from the Regional Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman Program also provides information to public agencies, legislators, and others on issues related to the Rights of Residents, making recommendations for resolving identified issues.