Under the federal Older Americans Act (OAA) every state is required to have an ombudsman program that addresses complaints and advocates for improvements in the long-term care system. Each state has an Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program headed by a full-time State Long-Term Care Ombudsman who directs the program statewide. Across the nation, staff and thousands of volunteers are designated by State Ombudsmen as representatives to directly serve residents.