HB 17-1264

House Bill 17-1264 adds local PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) ombudsmen to support and oversee the state’s existing PACE program. These local representatives will be trained by the state PACE ombudsman, have access to PACE centers and participants, and can file complaints on behalf of PACE participants. The bill also requires regular reporting from the Department of Human Services about the effectiveness of these programs. Since it has been signed into law, this means that local PACE ombudsmen are now officially part of the state’s oversight system to better protect and serve elderly individuals in PACE programs.

Official Summary

The existing all-inclusive care for the elderly (PACE) program includes the state PACE ombudsman. The bill adds local PACE ombudsmen to the state ombudsman's office (office). The bill contains provisions relating to local PACE ombudsmen, including training, designation as representatives of the office, access to PACE centers and participants, authority to file complaints on behalf of PACE participants, and immunity from liability. The bill includes time frames for the state PACE ombudsman to complete duties and functions of the office, including establishing statewide policies and procedures for investigating and resolving complaints relating to PACE programs and training local PACE ombudsmen. The department of human services shall report to the joint budget committee and to its legislative committee of reference concerning the long-term care ombudsman program and the state PACE ombudsman program, including program caseloads and the need, if any, for additional local ombudsmen. The bill repeals statutory provisions relating to stakeholder recommendations and a report concerning the expansion of the PACE ombudsman program to include local PACE ombudsmen. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

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