Toolkit for Law Enforcement and Emergency Medical Services When Called to a Long-Term Care Facility

Across the country, local law enforcement and emergency services are often called to nursing homes for help. Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Fire Fighters (FF), and Law Enforcement (LE) are often confronted with situations in nursing homes for which they have not been prepared. Other times, they may see conditions in a long-term care facility they find concerning. The result can lead to a tenuous response, sometimes with uncertainty as to what they should do.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has contracted with the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (Consumer Voice) to develop short, engaging educational videos and materials informing and educating first responders about considerations when called to a long-term care facility; the role of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP); addressing and reporting suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation; resident capacity and decision making; effective communication; and the importance of documentation.

This training toolkit is intended to be a quick self-study overview and includes 8 module videos, each with an accompanying fact sheet.

Learning Objectives

Understand the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – their role, responsibilities; how they are different from Adult Protective Services and the State Licensing Agency.
Ensure there is effective opportunities for collaboration and referrals between the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs and Law Enforcement, EMS, MFCUs.
Learn about long-term care facility responsibilities regarding provision of care and services, abuse, and neglect.
Know Residents’ Rights, including rights of residents with guardians or agents under power of attorney.
Long-term care facility abuse reporting requirements, investigation responsibilities, and what information law enforcement/EMS is entitled to onsite when called to investigate abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Signs of quality care, warning signs, red flags.