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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-03-11

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill appropriates $380,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 and $397,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Department of Health and Human Services to create four new full-time ombudsman positions. These ombudsmen will advocate for residents in nursing homes, adult care homes, and family care homes, with the goal of bringing North Carolina's long-term care ombudsman program into alignment with national standards.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue that expanding the ombudsman program strengthens protections for vulnerable elderly and disabled residents by increasing staff capacity to investigate complaints and advocate for residents' rights.
• •They contend that adequate ombudsman resources help resolve issues before they become formal complaints, potentially saving time and money for the state and residents while improving overall quality of care in long-term care facilities.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that the bill commits recurring state funds without clear metrics for measuring success or demonstrating that additional positions are necessary.
• •Some may question whether the $777,000 total appropriation represents the best use of state resources, or whether existing staff could be more efficiently deployed, particularly during times of budget constraints.