TITLE 56

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND WELFARE

CHAPTER 19

HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES OMBUDSMAN

56-1901.  health and social services ombudsman established. (1) As used in this chapter, "service recipient" means:

(a)  A child who receives foster care or protective supervision services pursuant to chapter 16, title 16, Idaho Code; or

(b)  A child receiving services in a residential treatment facility in Idaho.

(2)  There is hereby created in the department of self-governing agencies the office of health and social services ombudsman.

(3)  The health and social services ombudsman shall act as an independent ombudsman monitoring and evaluating the compliance of public agencies and private entities with relevant statutes, rules, and policies pertaining to the provision of health and social services to service recipients.

(4)  The health and social services ombudsman shall ensure the protection of service recipients’ rights and promotion of the recipients’ best interests and safeguard the welfare of service recipients through advocacy, system reform, public awareness, and training.

(5)  The health and social services ombudsman shall be appointed by the governor and subject to confirmation by the senate. Such individual shall be qualified by training and experience to perform the duties and exercise the powers of the health and social services ombudsman as provided in this chapter.

History:

[56-1901, added 2024, ch. 188, sec. 2, p. 681.]