A. As used in the Oklahoma Options Counseling for Long-term Care Program Act:

1. “Long-term care facility” means a nursing facility or assisted living facility;

2. “Options counseling for long-term care” means the process of providing services pursuant to the Oklahoma Options Counseling for Long-term Care Program within the Aging and Disability Resource Consortium (ADRC); and

3. “Representative” means a family member, attorney, hospital social worker, or any other person chosen by an individual to act on behalf of the individual:

a.seeking a long-term care consultation, or

b.admitted to a long-term care program or facility.

B. The Options Counseling for Long-term Care Program is hereby created within the Department of Human Services Aging Services Division and administered within the Aging Services Division Aging and Disability Resource Consortium.

C. Subject to available funding, the Options Counseling for Long-term Care Program, through its partner community agencies, shall provide individuals or their representatives, or both, with long-term care options consultation by phone or in person, which shall include at a minimum the following:

1. A basic review of an individual’s need for information;

2. A review of appropriate long-term care options and costs, if available;

3. A review of providers who accept either public or private payment or both public and private payment for long-term care services;

4. A summary of factors to consider when choosing among the available programs, services, and benefits; and

5. A summary of opportunities and methods for maximizing the independence and self-reliance of the individual, including support services provided by the family and friends of the individual.

D. Options counseling for long-term care under this section may be provided at any time, whether before or after the individual who is the subject of a long-term care consultation has been admitted to a long-term facility.

E. Nothing in the Oklahoma Options Counseling for Long-term Care Program Act shall be used to implement any provisions of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Added by Laws 2011, c. 144, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 2011.