§16-5L-20. Funding for long-term care ombudsman programs.

The state long-term care ombudsman program shall receive such funds as are appropriated pursuant to the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, for the operation of the state long-term care ombudsman program, and shall receive such funds as are appropriated by the Legislature for the operation of the program.

The regional long-term care ombudsman program shall receive such funds as are appropriated by the area agencies on aging pursuant to the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended.

Any long-term care ombudsman program may solicit and receive funds, gifts and contributions to support the operation of the program. No program shall solicit or receive any funds, gifts or contributions where the solicitation or receipt would jeopardize the independence and objectivity of the program.