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HB 906

Health; require long-term care facilities to post a link on their websites to the official website of the office of the long-term care ombudsman

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Smith

House Bill 906 requires long-term care facilities in Georgia to post a link to the state ombudsman's website, enhancing access to residents' rights and complaint procedures.

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Bill Summary · HB 906

Summary of House Bill 906

Bill Number: HB 906
Title: Health; require long-term care facilities to post a link on their websites to the official website of the office of the long-term care ombudsman
Status: House First Readers
Introduced: April 02, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 906 aims to enhance transparency and accessibility of information regarding the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program in Georgia. The bill mandates that long-term care facilities provide easy access to the official website of the state long-term care ombudsman, thereby facilitating residents and their families in understanding their rights and the complaint procedures available to them.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following amendments to Article 3 of Chapter 8 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated:

  1. Website Link Requirement:

    • Long-term care facilities that maintain a website must post a prominent link to the official website of the office of the state long-term care ombudsman.

  2. Notice to Residents:

    • The state ombudsman will continue to prepare and distribute a written notice to each long-term care facility, detailing the ombudsman program and complaint procedures.
    • Facilities are required to provide this notice to each resident and their legally appointed guardian upon admission and display it in conspicuous public areas within the facility.

  3. Enforcement:

    • Failure to comply with the notice requirements may result in the revocation of the facility's permit issued under Code Section 31-7-1.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Long-term Care Facilities: All facilities that provide long-term care services in Georgia will need to comply with the new website posting requirement.
  • Residents and Families: Current and prospective residents, as well as their families and guardians, will benefit from easier access to information about the ombudsman program, which can assist them in addressing concerns or complaints regarding care.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Timeline:

    • The bill was introduced on April 02, 2025, and has been read for the first time in the House on April 04, 2025.

  • Conflict Repeal: The bill includes a provision to repeal any conflicting laws, ensuring that the new requirements are clearly established without legal ambiguity.

Conclusion

House Bill 906 seeks to improve the oversight and support for residents in long-term care facilities by ensuring that they have direct access to the resources provided by the Long-term Care Ombudsman Program. By mandating that facilities post a link to the ombudsman’s website, the bill aims to empower residents and their families with the necessary information to advocate for their rights and well-being.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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