Bill would require long‑term care websites to link Georgia ombudsman info

Representative Smith told the committee HB 906 requires long‑term care facilities that have websites to post an official link to the Georgia Long Term Care Ombudsman Program so families and guardians can access advocacy contacts without visiting a facility.

"HB 906 ensures they can find that information about the ombudsman program remotely without having to be inside the facility," Representative Smith said, adding that existing Georgia law already requires ombudsman contact information to be posted inside facilities.

Smith emphasized the measure is intended to increase awareness, not to punish facilities: "This bill is about awareness and not punishment," she said, noting links can break and she will work with facilities and the committee to avoid fining providers for temporary outages.

Committee members clarified the requirement would apply to nursing homes, personal care homes and assisted‑living communities and would obligate a facility to post a link only if it already maintains a website. One member with a technology background called the change "pretty standard operating procedure" and said adding a link would be low‑cost and easy to update.

The committee held the item for further refinement and asked the sponsor to be prepared for continued discussion next week. No formal vote occurred during the hearing.

The committee adjourned with plans to follow up with stakeholders and legislative counsel on language and implementation details.