ARTICLE 1. Legislative Intent and Definitions [9700. - 9701.]

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC 1.

in effect

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 9700. Section 9700.

(a) The Legislature recognizes that the department, pursuant to a grant from the federal government, has established a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. (b) The Legislature declares that it is the public policy of this state to encourage community contact and involvement with older adult patients or residents of long-term care facilities or residential facilities through the use of volunteers and volunteer programs, and this chapter does not limit or constrict the continuation of relationships established between ombudspersons, the older adult patients or residents of long-term care facilities or residential facilities, and the operators of these facilities. (c) The Legislature finds that in order to comply with the federal Older Americans Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 3001, et seq.), as amended, and to effectively assist residents, patients, and clients of long-term care facilities in the assertion of their civil and human rights, the structure, powers, and duties of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program must be specifically defined.

Cal. Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC § 9701. Section 9701.

Unless the contrary is stated or clearly appears from the context, the following definitions shall govern the interpretation of this chapter: (a) “Approved organization” means any public agency or other appropriate organization that has been designated by the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman to hear, investigate, and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of patients or residents of long-term care facilities relating to matters that may affect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of these patients or residents. (b) “Long-term care facility” means any of the following: (1) Any nursing or skilled nursing facility, as defined in Section 1250 of the Health and Safety Code, including distinct parts of facilities that are required to comply with licensure requirements for skilled nursing facilities. (2) Any residential care facility for the elderly as defined in Section 1569.2 of the Health and Safety Code. (c) “Office” means the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, including approved organizations. (d) “Ombudsman coordinator” means the individual selected by the governing board or executive director of the approved organization to manage the day-to-day operation of the ombudsman program, including the implementation of federal and state requirements governing the office. (e) “Resident” or “patient” means an individual living in a long-term care facility. (f) “State Ombudsman” means the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026