The role of the health care ombudsman.

Beginning in the 1990s, with increased attention focused on the alleged abuses and arbitrary decision making by MCOs, several states began enacting legislation to establish health care ombudsmen. A variety of states, including the District of Columbia, are now considering health care ombudsman legislation. This article focuses on the varying role, functions, and duties of the health care ombudsman in each of these states and their benefit to the health care environment.