(a) (1) The office shall sponsor a training of representatives of approved organizations at least twice each year. The office shall provide training to these representatives as appropriate. Prior to the certification of an ombudsman by the office, individuals shall meet both of the following requirements:
(A) Have a criminal offender record clearance conducted by the State Department of Social Services. A clearance pursuant to Section 1569.17 of the Health and Safety Code shall constitute clearances for the purpose of entry to any long-term care facility.
(B) Have received a minimum of 36 hours of certification training that is approved by the office and offered by an approved organization, which shall include training on cultural competency and sensitivity in issues relating to the underserved aging lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
(2) Upon receipt of an applicant’s criminal record clearance and acceptance by the office, the office shall issue a card identifying the bearer as a certified ombudsman. Each ombudsman shall receive a minimum of 12 hours of additional training annually.
(b) (1) The department shall contract with the State Department of Social Services to conduct a criminal offender record information search, pursuant to Section 1569.17 of the Health and Safety Code, for each applicant seeking certification as an ombudsman. The State Department of Social Services shall notify the individual and the office of the individual’s clearance or denial.
(2) An applicant for certification as an ombudsman shall not be responsible for any costs associated with transmitting the fingerprint images and related information or conducting criminal record clearances.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Department of Justice from assessing a fee pursuant to Section 11105 of the Penal Code to cover the cost of searching for or furnishing summary criminal offender record information.
(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 675, Sec. 3. (AB 663) Effective January 1, 2014.)
Last modified: October 25, 2018