Connecticut General Statutes Title 17A. Social and Human Services and Resources § 17a-871. Residents' advocates. Appointment, expenses, removal. Use of trained volunteers

(a) Residents' advocates shall be appointed by the State Ombudsman, in consultation with the regional ombudsmen, for each region in sufficient number to serve the long-term care facilities within such region. Such residents' advocates shall, if possible, be residents of the region in which they will serve, and shall have demonstrated an interest in the care of individuals who reside in long-term care facilities. Residents' advocates shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, within available appropriations.

(b) The residents' advocates shall be appointed after submission of recommendations from at least two former employers or other nonrelated persons.

(c) The residents' advocates shall serve for a term of years specified by the State Ombudsman provided a residents' advocate may be removed by the State Ombudsman whenever the State Ombudsman finds such residents' advocate guilty of misconduct, material neglect of duty or incompetence in the conduct of the office or noncompliance with specified requirements of the position.

(d) Nothing in sections 17a-412, 17a-413, 17a-870 to 17a-880, inclusive, 19a-523, 19a-524, 19a-530, 19a-531, 19a-532 and 19a-554 shall be construed to preclude the use of additional trained volunteers when it is deemed necessary to assist the State Ombudsman, regional ombudsmen or the residents' advocates.

(e) Until such time as residents' advocates are appointed in accordance with the provisions of sections 17a-412, 17a-413, 17a-870 to 17a-880, inclusive, 19a-523, 19a-524, 19a-530, 19a-531, 19a-532 and 19a-554, those residents' advocates previously appointed shall continue to perform their assigned duties and responsibilities.