Training.

The state ombudsman shall ensure that appropriate training is provided to all representatives of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

(1) All representatives of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program shall be given a minimum of 20 hours of training upon employment with the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program or appointment as an ombudsman. Ten hours of training in the form of continuing education is required annually thereafter.

(2) The state ombudsman shall approve the curriculum for the initial and continuing education training, which must, at a minimum, address:

(a) Resident confidentiality.

(b) Guardianships and powers of attorney.

(c) Medication administration.

(d) Care and medication of residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

(e) Accounting for residents’ funds.

(f) Discharge rights and responsibilities.

(g) Cultural sensitivity.

(h) Any other topic related to residency in a long-term care facility.

(3) An individual other than the state ombudsman may not hold himself or herself out as a representative of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program or conduct any authorized program duty described in this part unless the individual has received the training required by this section and has been certified by the state ombudsman as qualified to carry out ombudsman activities on behalf of the office or the state or local councils.