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HomeMy WebLinkAboutORDINANCES-1989-136-O-89r • 136-0-89 AN ORDINANCE Amending Title 2, Chapter 4 To Clarify the Powers and Duties of the Evanston Commission on Aging WHEREAS, the Evanston Commission on Aging is mandated to provide advocacy and ombudsman services; WHEREAS, the Evanston Commission on Aging is a duly authorized sub -state ombudsman program for the Illinois Department on Aging; and WHEREAS, federal and state ombudsman legislation has recently been revised and adopted respectively; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EVANSTON, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS: SECTION 1: That Section 2-4-5 of the City Code of the City of Evanston, 1979, as amended, be and it is hereby further amended to read as follows: 2-4-5(F): LONG TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM 1. To operate a Long Term Care Ombudsman Program within the rules and standards prescribed by the Illinois Act on Aging • (Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 23, par 6104.4 et seq) and the Older Americans Act, (42 U.S.C., Sec. 307, 1988, as amended), paid and qualified volunteer staff of the program: a. shall have immediate access to all long term care facilities and residents, and, with written permission from the resident or legal guardian, shall have access to all records of the resident; b. shall receive, investigate and resolve complaints, problems, concerns or issues reported by or on behalf of persons who are, who have been, or who may become residents of long term care facilities relating to action, inaction or decisions of: 1) providers or their representatives, 2) long term care facilities, 3) public agencies, or 4) social service agencies, which may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare or rights of such residents; c. shall maintain the confidentiality of all resident • records and information within the program; d. may visit and talk, in person or on the telephone, with residents and make personal, social and legal services available to residents; 1 136-0-89 e. may assist residents in asserting their rights by means of personal advocacy or in groups such as the Resident Council and family councils; and f. may consult with and assist facility staff and administrators in resolving issues, concerns, problems and complaints. 2. To refer to and consult with appropriate local, state and federal agencies regarding.the conditions of long term care facilities. 3. To coordinate ombudsman services with the Protection and Advocacy system for individuals with developmental disabilities'or mental illness who are residing in long term care facilities. 4. To pursue any and all administrative, legal and other appropriate remedies on behalf of residents of long term care facilities. SECTION 2: All ordinances or parts of ordinances - in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. SECTION 3: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication in the manner provided by law. Introduced: ��'�,y�� ��2 ( 1989 Adopted: 19A, • �U' Approved:1989`"' Mayor Pro Tem ATTEST: 4 / ®r-- / City Clerk Approved as ba form: J� �Corpotation Counsel • E