May 16, 2025
RE: Elimination of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Dear Senator/Representative,
Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) is writing to express our deep concern regarding the potential elimination or reduction of funding for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP). As a concerned agency, the LTCOP is crucial for the protection and well-being of vulnerable individuals, including older adults and people with disabilities.
In a leaked draft budget document, the HHS budget President Trump plans to send to Congress includes elimination of the LTCOP. Elimination of federal funds to the MN LTCOP would be an approximate budget loss of $1,531,065 in total federal funding.
The LTCOP plays a vital role in addressing complaints, advocating for improvements in long-term care facilities, and ensuring the safety, dignity, and adequate quality of life for residents who call a facility their home. By providing a voice for residents who may not be able to speak up for themselves, the LTCOP helps to prevent abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other forms of mistreatment. It would also undermine the trust and confidence of the public in Minnesota’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of its most vulnerable citizens.
The LTCOP resolves myriad complex issues every day, including but not limited to:
- Bed-side advocacy for rape victims in long-term care settings and ensures residents who are victims of all types of abuse, have the support and resources they need to recover from trauma.
- Preventing homelessness by ensuring facilities and residents communicate openly and care plans are appropriate.
- Assisting and supporting residents in making reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
- Working with facilities to ensure that residents do not have to wait for 20, 30, 40 minutes or longer for requests for assistance and to receive help for basic care needs.
- Identifying and addressing malnourishment, mismanagement of medications, retaliation, and many other resident rights violations.
MCD has a commitment to partner with agencies that serve people with disabilities and those who are aging. We appreciate the hard work that the LTCOP does in advocating for those in the long-term care system to ensure their safety and well-being. We also appreciate their presence throughout the state of Minnesota. We have heard numerous stories of how helpful and supportive the LTCOP has been to so many people who require long term care services.
The Older Americans Act mandates the LTCOP in every state. The LTCOP was established in the 1970’s in response to widespread concerns about abuse, neglect, and substandard conditions in nursing homes. Research indicates that LTCOP interventions can prevent costly hospitalizations and delay Medicaid enrollment by assisting individuals in effectively navigating care services. In addition, Ombudsmen help save health care dollars by resolving concerns before they escalate and by supporting aging in place options.
Society has a duty to care for older adults and persons with disabilities. Long-term care settings such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities play a necessary role in supporting vulnerable adults. Many challenges face long-term care, such as inadequate staffing levels, poor infections control, care deficiencies, and others. The LTCOP is essential for reducing the resulting resident harm that, in some cases, leads to premature death.
I urge you to strongly consider the importance of the LTCOP and to work to ensure its continued funding and stability. Please advocate for the protection of this vital program.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
David Dively, Executive Director