Section 28-17-3 - Definitions.

28-17-3. Definitions.

As used in the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Act:   

A.     "adult protective services" means the children, youth and families department pursuant to the Adult Protective Services Act [27-7-14 NMSA 1978];   

B.     "agency" means the state agency on aging;   

C.     "care" means assistance with the activities of daily living, including eating, dressing, oral hygiene, bathing, mobility, toileting, grooming, taking medications, transferring from a bed or chair and walking;   

D.     "director" means the director of the state agency on aging;   

E.     "licensing and certification" means the licensing and certification bureau of the public health division of the department of health;   

F.     "long-term care facility" means any residential facility that provides care to one or more persons unrelated to the owner or operator of the facility, including:   

(1)     a skilled nursing facility;   

(2)     an intermediate care nursing facility, including an intermediate care facility for the mentally retarded;   

(3)     a nursing facility;   

(4)     an adult residential shelter care home;   

(5)     a boarding home;   

(6)     any other adult care home or adult residential care facility;   

(7)     a continuing care community;   

(8)     any swing bed in an acute care facility or extended care facility; and   

(9)     any adult day care facility;   

G.     "office" means the office of the state long-term care ombudsman;   

H.     "Older Americans Act" means the federal Older Americans Act;   

I.     "ombudsman" means an individual trained and certified to act as a representative of the office of the state long-term care ombudsman;   

J.     "ombudsman coordinator" means the coordinator of a regional or local ombudsman program designated by the office of the state ombudsman;   

K.     "program" means the New Mexico long-term care ombudsman program;   

L.     "resident" means any patient, client or person residing in and receiving care in a long-term care facility;   

M.     "state ombudsman" means the state long-term care ombudsman; and   

N.     "surrogate decision maker" means a legally appointed agent, guardian or surrogate who is authorized to act on behalf of a resident.