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.

Ryan Malone is a second-year law student at Georgia State University College of Law.