Iowa's Nursing Home Watch Dog Gains Independence

Iowa Governor Chet Culver's latest executive order gives more independence to the state's Long-Term Care Ombudsman by moving its office out of the Department on Aging. The Ombudsman's office is responsible for advocating for the rights Iowans residing in nursing homes and other residential care facilities, including investigating complaints about those facilities. The move comes amid criticisms of the Department on Aging's policy requiring pre-approval from the Department and the Governor's office before the Ombudsman could take a position on policy matters.

Current ombudsman Jeanne Yordi plans to retire on June 16, 2010. Former state Representative Ro Foege will serve as the interim ombudsman until a new ombudsman is selected by the Department of Administrative Services.

If you or someone you know has been mistreated in a nursing home, assisted living program, elder group home, or residential care facility, contact the Ombudsman at 800-532-3213 or the offices of Brady & O'Shea, P.C. at 319-866-9277.