The confidentiality restrictions in 45 C.F.R. 1321.51 apply with respect to the disclosure by state and regional long-term care ombudsman offices from the records of patients residing in long-term care facilities.
The regional long-term care ombudsman office must obtain written informed consent of the resident or authorization from the state ombudsman before notifying the county social services department if the subject of a complaint involves suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a disabled person.