(a) The Legislature recognizes that the department, pursuant to a grant from the federal government, has established a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
(b) The Legislature declares that it is the public policy of this state to encourage community contact and involvement with older adult patients or residents of long-term care facilities or residential facilities through the use of volunteers and volunteer programs, and this chapter does not limit or constrict the continuation of relationships established between ombudspersons, the older adult patients or residents of long-term care facilities or residential facilities, and the operators of these facilities.
(c) The Legislature finds that in order to comply with the federal Older Americans Act (42 U.S.C. Sec. 3001, et seq.), as amended, and to effectively assist residents, patients, and clients of long-term care facilities in the assertion of their civil and human rights, the structure, powers, and duties of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program must be specifically defined.