In Iowa, the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (OSLTCO) is authorized by the federal Older Americans Act. Operating as an independent entity, its mission is to protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of individuals residing in long-term care facilities by providing advocacy, investigating complaints with residents'/tenants' permission and seeking resolutions to problems with the goal of enhancing quality of life and care. Our activities include: Advocating for residents’/tenants’ rights and quality care in nursing facilities, residential care facilities and assisted living programs; Resolving complaints made by or on behalf of residents/tenants of long-term care facilities; Educating consumers and long-term care providers about residents’/tenants’ rights; Promoting the development of citizen organizations, family councils and resident councils; Providing information to the public on nursing facilities and other long-term care facilities, the rights of residents/tenants and legislative and policy issues; and Promoting community involvement through volunteer opportunities.