TX HHS Form 8610. State Long-term Care Ombudsman Program Certified Ombudsman II Recommendation and Approval

The TX HHS Form 8610, State Long-term Care Ombudsman Program Certified Ombudsman II Recommendation and Approval, is a crucial document that facilitates the promotion of certified ombudsmen in Texas. This form helps solve the problem of ensuring that qualified individuals are recognized as Certified Ombudsman IIs, enabling them to continue providing essential services to long-term care facilities.

The form is typically used by Managing Local Ombudsmans and State Long-Term Care Ombudsmans or their designees. Key features include the mandatory requirements for promotion, such as performing ombudsman functions for a 24-month period, making regular visits to long-term care facilities, investigating complaints, submitting reports, and completing continuing education hours. The form also requires confirmation of compliance with Ombudsman Policies and Procedures Manual (OPPM) requirements.

As part of the certification process, the State Office updates the ombudsman database and submits the form to the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) by mail, email, or fax. The following are key points and requirements for using this form:

• Volunteer recommenders must confirm that the individual has met mandatory requirements.
• Staff recommenders must confirm that the individual has been employed as a staff ombudsman for at least 24 months.
• The form is used to promote certified ombudsmen from Certified Ombudsman I to Certified Ombudsman II.