Revised Statutes of the State of New Hampshire §161-F:13

“Powers and duties under the public safety and welfare law”

The long-term care ombudsman must:

• Investigate any act, omission, practice, or policy of any individual, facility or government agency that adversely affected the health, safety, welfare, or civil rights any resident of a long-term care facility;
• Represent the interests of residents before governmental agencies and seek administrative, legal, and other remedies to protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents;
• Establish an advisory committee, which shall include residents and their legal representatives, older persons, providers of services, representatives of government agencies and representatives of community organizations serving older people, which shall meet quarterly in order to provide consultation to the long-term care ombudsman in planning and operating this subdivision. 
• Provide information to long-term care facilities, other agencies, and the public regarding the problem and concerns of residents of facilities;
• Inform residents, family members, and others acting on behalf of residents how to access the assistance and services of the office and the services and assistance of other providers or agencies, including legal services;
• Ensure regular and timely access to and response from the office;
• Comment on, facilitate public comment on, and recommend changes to existing or proposed laws, rules, regulations and other governmental policies and actions that affect the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents;
• Provide technical support for the development of resident and family councils to protect the well-being and rights of residents;
• Provide for education and training of the long-term care ombudsman office staff and volunteers;
• Educate long-term care facilities, agents and, and staff members concerning the rights and welfare of resident; and
• Promote and support development of citizen organizations to participate in the ombudsman program. 

Related laws:

Revised Statutes of the State of New Hampshire §161-F:16