State Council Open Session Minutes
The council meeting addressed several strategic priorities for the Ombudsman Program in 2026, with a primary focus on legislative advocacy and planned engagement at the Capitol. Discussions covered current staffing limitations, initiatives for volunteer recruitment and retention, and planning for an upcoming state conference. A legislative update highlighted key committees and an updated MOU with the Department of Children and Families. Detailed reports on district trends identified common challenges including staffing shortages in facilities, increased resident acuity, memory care complexity, and issues related to financial exploitation and additional fee structures. The council identified specific advocacy priorities, including the need for minimal staffing requirements and enhanced corporate accountability.