(a) A host agency must not:
  (1) willfully interfere with the State Ombudsman or a representative of the Office performing any of the functions of the Ombudsman Program, which includes:
    (A) prohibiting a representative of the Office from:
      (i) commenting or recommending changes, as described in §88.302(a)(1)(F) of this chapter (relating to Requirement to Ensure a Representative of the Office Performs Functions of the Ombudsman Program);
      (ii) submitting comments to the Office regarding proposed legislation; or
      (iii) responding to a question from a legislator or the media regarding a problem that pertains to an LTC facility or service, or to the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents; and
    (B) requiring a representative of the Office to obtain approval from the host agency before submitting testimony at a legislative hearing;
  (2) retaliate against the State Ombudsman or a representative of the Office:
    (A) with respect to a resident, employee of an LTC facility, or other person filing a complaint with, providing information to, or otherwise cooperating with, a representative of the Office; or
    (B) for performance of the functions, responsibilities, or duties described in 45 CFR §1324.13 and §1324.19 and this chapter; or
  (3) have personnel policies or practices that prohibit a representative of the Office from performing the functions of the Ombudsman Program or from adhering to the requirements of the Older Americans Act, §712.
(b) A host agency must ensure that a governmental entity or nonprofit organization contracting with a host agency, as described in §88.2(20)(B) of this chapter (relating to Definitions), complies with subsection (a) of this section as if the entity or organization is a host agency.
(c) A host agency may require a representative of the Office to notify the host agency of:
  (1) comments or recommendations made in accordance with §88.302(a)(1)(F) of this chapter; and
  (2) subject to disclosure requirements in §88.304 of this chapter (relating to Disclosure of Confidential Information; Exclusion from Reporting Requirements Regarding Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation; and Provision of Records to the Office):
    (A) information being sent to a legislator or the media regarding a problem or concern about a resident or a recommendation related to the problem or concern, as described in §88.302(a)(2)(A)(ii) of this chapter; and
    (B) a response to a request for information from a legislator or the media, as described in §88.302(a)(2)(C) of this chapter.

Source Note: The provisions of this §88.408 adopted to be effective May 22, 2024, 49 TexReg 3566