Section 218-RICR-40-00-1.1 - IntroductionA. These Rules and Regulations Governing the Long Term Care Ombudsperson Program are promulgated pursuant to the authority conferred under R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-66.7-12, as amended, for the purpose of adopting prevailing standards for the implementation and enforcement of the long term ombudsperson program including, but not limited to, the procedures for the receipt, investigation and resolution, through administrative action, of complaints filed by residents of long term care facilities, individuals acting on their behalf or any individual organization or government agency that has reason to believe that a long term care facility, organization or government agency (which government agency is responsible for the regulation, inspection, visitation, or supervision of facilities or which provides services to residents of facilities) has engaged in activities, practices or omissions that constitute a violation of applicable statutes or regulations or that may have an adverse effect upon the health, safety, welfare, rights or the quality of life of residents of long term care facilities. B. Pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, the following were given consideration in promulgating these regulations: 1. alternative approaches to the regulations; and2. duplication or overlap with other state regulations.3. Based upon available information, no alternative approach, duplication, or overlap was identified.4. These regulations are adopted in the best interest of the health, welfare, and safety of Rhode Island's seniors.218 R.I. Code R. 218-RICR-40-00-1.1