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June 20, 2023
In this Issue:
- ACL Seeks Input on Updates to Older Americans Act Regulations
- Resources for LTGBTQ+ Long-Term Care Consumers
- Join the 2023 Resident's Voice Challenge
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ACL Seeks Input on Updates to Older Americans Act Program Regulations
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is seeking input on proposed updates to the regulations for its Older Americans Act (OAA) programs. The last substantial update to most OAA program regulations was in 1988; the OAA has been amended by Congress seven times since 1988.
ACL states that the proposed rule addresses issues that have emerged since the last update and clarifies a number of requirements. It aims to better support the national aging network that delivers OAA services and improve program implementation, with the ultimate goal of better serving older adults. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) looks at all OAA programs including the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, Elder Abuse Prevention, Legal Services, and Family Caregivers. Refer to the overview document for more information.
ACL has solicited input from the field as it developed these proposed rules through a Request for Information (RFI) and series of listening sessions. Consumer Voice submitted comments on the RFI last year and hosted a listening session on the topic at a past annual meeting.
Instructions for submitting comments can be found in the NPRM, which was posted on the Federal Register website today. Comments must be received by 11:59 pm ET on August 15, 2023.
For more information on the proposed rule, join ACL for an informational webinar Thursday, June 22 at 12:30pm ET.
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Resources for LGBTQ+ Long-Term Care Consumers
During Pride Month this June, we are highlighting resources that support LGBTQ+ long-term care consumers' rights and quality of life.
Individuals living in nursing homes have the same rights to be free from discrimination and harassment as individuals living in the larger community. In addition, they have rights and protections provided by federal nursing home regulations and state and federal anti-discrimination provisions. The rights of all residents should be honored and respected, regardless of sexual
orientation or gender identity or expression. Understanding your rights, learning about ways to solve problems, and knowing how to get help if issues arise is the first step in ensuring quality care.
Learn more in the fact sheet from the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC): Residents' Rights and the LGBTQ+ Community: Know YOUR Rights as a Nursing Home Resident.
Long-term care consumers can use the My Personal Directions for Quality Living worksheet to help caregivers understand their preferences for how to engage with them, their day-to-day life, and receiving care.
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Join the 2023 Resident's Voice Challenge
 Creative writing and artistic expression are meaningful and compelling ways to highlight the importance of residents’ rights and how these rights can be carried out in all long-term care settings. The Resident’s Voice Challenge, a part of Residents' Rights Month, encourages residents to submit essays, poems, artwork, drawings, or videos related to the theme.
This year’s theme emphasizes a community of long-term care residents coming together to make their voices heard. As part of the Resident’s Voice Challenge, we are inviting residents to create videos amplifying their voices. Residents are encouraged to create a video sharing who you are and how you amplify your voice by answering the questions: What does it mean to be heard and how do you make yourself heard? Alternatively, residents can respond to the Resident’s Voice Challenge in writing (essays, poems, word collages), artwork (posters, paintings, drawings), audio (songs or spoken word), or photos.
Visit our website for more information on how to participate. Submissions are due September 1, 2023.
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