P.R. Laws tit. 17, § 1481j
(a) The Ombudsman shall have the primary duty to attend the claims of the housing projects within the conceptual framework of assisted living residents, and their relatives or representatives, with diligence. When addressing the claims, the Ombudsman shall provide said persons with pertinent juridical and government information that allows the claimant to make an informed decision regarding the steps to be taken to remedy the situation.
When addressing the claim and deeming that same is warranted pursuant to this chapter, the Ombudsman shall perform a thorough investigation of the situation and issue a report in that regard. Then, same shall take the appropriate steps in the pertinent public agency or organism that shall result in the prompt solution for, and due attention to, the problem subject of the claim.
(b) In the exercise of his/her powers, the Ombudsman shall have free access to the residences set forth in this chapter, and may review the files of each resident with the informed consent of same. Moreover, the Ombudsman shall interview the personnel of the residence, the external providers of the residence, the latter having the inescapable duty to provide all data or documentation that throws light over the submitted claim.
(c) The Ombudsman shall set forth the necessary mechanisms for the receipt and processing of claims and for the performance of investigations, as well as informing the results of same to the Director of the Office of the Advocate for the Elderly.
(d) The Ombudsman shall exercise all the powers conferred upon same pursuant to Act No. 308 of October 3, 1999, to comply with the duties imposed by this chapter.
(e) When complying with the duties set forth herein, the Ombudsman shall acquire knowledge of the particular services offered in the residences within the conceptual framework of assisted living and act according to same.
(f) The Ombudsman shall carry out an amount randomly [sic] periodic visits that represent the amount of residences to verify that they are in compliance with this chapter. The results of same shall be detailed in a report to be submitted to the Office and the Department. In addition, said report shall be made accessible to the residences concerned.
History —Sept. 3, 2003, No. 244, § 13.