44th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2000

REQUESTING THE STATE AGENCY ON AGING TO DEVELOP A CODE OF CONDUCT AND A CODE OF ETHICS FOR ALL INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED WITH THE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM.

WHEREAS, the ombudsman program of the state agency on aging is a federally mandated activity to improve the environment for residents of long-term care facilities; and

WHEREAS, the program has been very successful in identifying and remedying problems; and

WHEREAS, in the absence of codes of conduct and ethics for the individuals working and volunteering in the program, some individuals have taken actions that, when all circumstances are taken into account, could be inappropriate and counterproductive; and

WHEREAS, the state agency on aging has not developed codes of conduct and ethics to ensure that actions taken by individuals in the ombudsman program are productive and appropriate;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state agency on aging be requested to develop a code of conduct and a code of ethics for all individuals involved with the ombudsman program; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state agency on aging be requested to submit a copy of the adopted codes to the appropriate legislative committee by December 1, 2000; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the state agency on aging.