Florida Assisted Living Facilities Practice Exam

In which of the following situations is a signed statement by the long-term care ombudsman required?

1. When admitting a new resident

2. When initiating a resident’s treatment plan

3. When a resident is not content with their care

4. When a resident is receiving hospice services

The correct answer is: When a resident is receiving hospice services

A signed statement by the long-term care ombudsman is required when a resident is receiving hospice services. The role of the ombudsman is crucial in advocating for the rights and wellbeing of residents in long-term care settings, particularly in sensitive circumstances like hospice care. In hospice situations, individuals are entering a phase of care that focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than curative treatment. The ombudsman's involvement ensures that residents and their families are receiving the necessary support and that their wishes are respected during this critical time. The statement from the ombudsman serves to affirm that the resident’s rights are protected and that they have access to the resources and information needed to make informed decisions about their end-of-life care. The other scenarios, while important in their own right, do not require a signed statement from the long-term care ombudsman. Admission of a new resident, initiating a treatment plan, and addressing contentment with care are typically managed through other protocols in the facility, focusing on patient care and satisfaction without the formal need for an ombudsman's statement.