(1) The general assembly hereby recognizes that the former state department of social services, currently the state department of human services, pursuant to the federal "Older Americans Act of 1965", as amended, has established a state longterm care ombudsman program.
The general assembly finds, determines, and declares that it is the public policy ofthis state to encourage community contact and involvement with patients, residents, and clients of long-term care facilities and PACE programs.
The general assembly further finds, determines, and declares that in order to complywith the federal "Older Americans Act of 1965", as amended, and effectively assist patients, residents, and clients of long-term care facilities in the assertion of their civil, human, and legal rights, the structure of a state long-term care ombudsman program and the powers and duties thereunder shall be specifically defined.
Source: L. 90: Entire article added, p. 1401, § 1, effective April 10. L. 94: (1) amended, p. 2707, § 274, effective July 1. L. 2016: (2) amended, (SB 16-199), ch. 270, p. 1118, § 2, effective June 10.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration contained in the 1994 act amending this section, see section 1 of chapter 345, Session Laws of Colorado 1994.