SB 153 - This act modifies the law relating to ombudsman volunteers. This act prohibits any long-term care facility from relieving an ombudsman volunteer from their duties. Ombudsman volunteers may only be relieved by the regional ombudsman in consultation with the state ombudsman. This act also requires all long-term care facilities to accept ombudsman volunteers when they are available. Any long-term care facility not willing to work with the ombudsman program will be subject to sanctions by the Department of Health and Senior Services. This act is identical to HB 1441 (2004). ANDY LYSKOWSKI