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Last Action

Ref to the Com on Appropriations, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-03-26

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill appropriates $1 million per year for the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium to the Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen North Carolina's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. The funding will support nine additional regional ombudsman positions and operational expenses to help the state meet national standards for protecting residents in long-term care facilities.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue that ombudsmen play a critical role in investigating complaints, advocating for rights, and protecting vulnerable elderly and disabled residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
• •By adding nine positions and operational funding, the program can better serve more residents, reduce complaint backlogs, and bring North Carolina into compliance with national best practice staffing ratios, ultimately improving care quality and resident safety.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may question whether $1 million annually represents the most cost-effective use of state funds during competing budget priorities, or whether existing ombudsman resources could be better deployed or managed.
• •Some may also ask whether the bill includes sufficient oversight mechanisms to ensure the new positions are filled promptly and that funding leads to measurable improvements in resident outcomes.