52:27G-7.2 Investigation by ombudsman.
3. a. Upon receiving a report that an elderly person may be or may have been abused or exploited, the ombudsman shall conduct a prompt and thorough investigation pursuant to section 8 of P.L.1977, c.239 (C.52:27G-8). Within 24 hours of receipt of the report, the ombudsman shall notify the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, or the Commissioner of Human Services in the case of a facility regulated or operated by the Department of Human Services, and any other governmental agency which regulates or operates the facility that the report has been received.
b. The investigation shall include a visit with the elderly person and consultation with others who have knowledge of the particular case. When the investigation is completed, findings and recommended action shall be prepared in a written report and submitted to the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services or the Commissioner of Human Services, as appropriate, and any other governmental agency which regulates or operates the facility.
c. The person who reported the suspected abuse or exploitation shall be promptly notified that action is being taken.
d. If a determination is made that an elderly person may have been criminally abused or exploited, the ombudsman shall refer such findings, in writing, to the county prosecutor.
e. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other statute or regulation to the contrary, upon completion of an investigation, the ombudsman shall furnish a copy of the written report prepared pursuant to subsection b. of this section to the resident and shall send a copy by certified and regular mail to the legal guardian or other person named on the consent form pursuant to section 2 of P.L.2001, c.7 (C.52:27G-7.3), as applicable.
f. The ombudsman shall make all reasonable effort to obtain the name and address of the person named on the consent form, either from their own records or information or those of the facility.
g. The ombudsman shall have the discretion to withhold notification upon evidence that said person was a party to the abuse or exploitation of the elderly.
L.1983,c.43,s.3; amended 2001, c.7, s.1.
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