My Semester
with the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
This semester, as part of my
law school coursework at GSU, I’ve been an extern with the State Long-Term Care
Ombudsman, which entails roughly 10 hours a week either at the State of Georgia
Building, the Capitol, or meeting with parties interested in the well-being of
long-term care residents. Over the course of my semester I’ve had the
opportunity to work on issues related to supported decision-making,
guardianships, and resident placement.
During my externship I worked
most closely with Melanie McNeil, the State Ombudsman and a GSU College of Law
alumna, who provided indispensable guidance while drafting memos and
legislative language. Melanie and the Ombudsman Services Coordinators are a wealth
of knowledge—about nursing and personal care homes, guardianships, the
intricacies of relevant state and federal agencies, and the importance of
residential rights—knowledge that only comes from years of practical experience.
Because I had little prior experience with health and elder law and with
drafting legislation, I was initially overwhelmed in the deluge of initialisms,
terms of art, and the punctiliousness required of legislative language.
Fortunately, the entire office has always been generous with their time,
willing to answer even the most neophytic questions and give advice on the
projects I’ve been involved in over the semester.
My experience as an extern has
enriched my interest in healthcare, disability, and elder law—areas in which I
hope to pursue a career after law school. I think those interested in working
in public interest, state government, or disability and elder advocacy should
avail themselves of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman’s office, whose insight
and kindness I have found invaluable.
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