Durable (Financial) Power of Attorney, July 28, 2014

What is a financial power of attorney (FPOA)? A FPOA is a document authorizing an agent to make financial management decisions for the principal. The agent is the person that will be managing the principal’s finances, so it is important to choose someone trustworthy; someone who will not abuse or exploit this power, will listen to the principal’s wishes included in the document or otherwise communicated to the agent, and will look out for the principal’s best interests.

What is an Ombudsman? 2014

The focus of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s Office is to advocate for the rights and wishes of residents and tenants in long-term care. In fact, resident’s rights are guaranteed by the federal 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law. This law requires nursing facilities to promote and protect the rights of each resident and places a strong emphasis on individual dignity and self-determination. Iowa has incorporated these rights into state law for residential care and nursing facility residents, assisted living and elder group home tenants. The Long-Term Ombudsman helps residents, tenants, and their families and friends understand and exercise these guaranteed rights. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s responsibilities are outlined in Title VII of the Older Americans Act.

Know Your Rights, June 24, 2016

In Iowa, the Managed Care Ombudsman Program was established to advocate for the rights and wishes of Medicaid managed care members who receive care in a health care facility, assisted living program or elder group home, as well as members enrolled in one of the following seven home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs.