Expenses for Patient Advocacy

Since January 1, 2014, the Vorarlberg state government has been providing a permanent grant to non-profit organizations that act as independent ombuds offices in hospitals and nursing homes. The funded patient advocacy service advises patients and clients as well as their trusted representatives, handles complaints regarding accommodation, care, support, and medical treatment, accompanies complainants before the arbitration board, and awards compensation for health damages. In doing so, it makes a significant contribution to transparency and quality assurance in the inpatient health and care sector and strengthens the rights of those affected throughout Vorarlberg.

Both personnel costs and operating costs are funded in the form of a direct grant. A prerequisite for the funding is an audited annual financial statement by a fiduciary office; the current annual financial statement serves as the central proof in the application process. The measure is part of the funding areas of Social Affairs, Health, as well as Labor & Social Affairs and has an annual budget of 0.4 million euros. The Office of the Vorarlberg State Government, Department of Health and Sports (IVb), manages the quarterly advance payments and monitors the final accounting. Due to the indefinite duration, beneficiaries can plan long-term and continuously ensure that the rights of patients and clients are upheld.