SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 660

	WHEREAS, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Day on April 21, 2003, 
honored those ombudsmen who advocate for nursing home residents, 
and the Texas Senate is proud to recognize these special men and 
women for their work on behalf of all those who live in nursing 
homes; and
	WHEREAS, More than 800 long-term care volunteer ombudsmen 
serve as a vital resource to ensure quality of life and quality of 
care for the 90,000 older Texans who reside in the state's 1,120 
licensed nursing homes and over 1,200 licensed assisted living 
facilities; and
	WHEREAS, Many of these residents have no family or regular 
visitors who routinely check to assure that they receive the 
appropriate care to meet their needs; and
	WHEREAS, The ombudsmen receive specialized training and 
are certified by the Texas Department on Aging to be advocates
in helping to protect the health, safety, welfare, and rights
of residents and identifying, investigating, and resolving 
complaints by or on behalf of nursing home residents; and
	WHEREAS, The well-being of residents in long-term care 
facilities is enhanced through regular contact with trained and 
certified advocates, who provide an important public service 
through complaint resolution, education, information, and 
assistance; and
	WHEREAS, The long-term care ombudsmen are to be commended 
for their dedication and commitment to the residents of nursing 
homes; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby recognize April 21, 2003, as Long-Term 
Care Ombudsman Day in Texas; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
these outstanding Texans as an expression of high regard and 
appreciation from the Texas Senate.
                                                                          Nelson




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on April 23, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate