Section 270.160  Multi-disciplinary Teams for Ombudsman Program

a)         The Regional Ombudsman may develop or participate on a multi-disciplinary team (M-Team).  The M-Team may be new or an existing one.  The Ombudsman, or his or her designee, of the area in which the multi-disciplinary team is created shall be the facilitator of the multi-disciplinary team. (Section 4.04(k) of the Act)

b)         The M-Team shall act in an advisory role for the purpose of providing professional knowledge and expertise in handling complex abuse, neglect, and advocacy issues involving participants or residents. (Section 4.04(k) of the Act)

c)         M-Team members shall sign a confidentiality form provided by the Office that shall be included in the Program records.

d)         Ombudsmen shall not disclose resident or participant identifying information during an M-Team discussion.  Ombudsman team members shall provide case summaries for discussion purposes rather than actual case files. 

e)         The M-Team may consist of one or more volunteer representatives from any combination of at least 7 members from the following professions:

1)         Banking or finance;

2)         Disability care;

3)         Health care;

4)         Pharmacology;

5)         Law;

6)         Law enforcement;

7)         Emergency responder;

8)         Mental health care;

9)         Clergy;

10)        Coroner or medical examiner;

11)        Substance abuse;

12)        Domestic violence;

13)        Sexual assault; or

14)        Other related fields. (Section 4.04(k) of the Act)

f)         The M-Team has a right to request and receive records on particular cases from law enforcement agencies and coroners or medical examiners, in accordance with this Part.

(Source:  Added at 43 Ill. Reg. 980, effective January 1, 2019)