1-A.__Terms of contract.__The commissioner may impose standards of contract performance upon the entity contracted to perform as the office of advocacy to ensure that the entity manages and accounts for contract funds appropriately, reports to the department on the results achieved for clients and represents all clients effectively and appropriately within the limits of state and federal law.

2. Chief advocate. A chief advocate shall direct and coordinate the program of the office.

A. The chief advocate shall report administratively to the commissioner and advise, consult with and inform the commissioner on the issues described in this section.

B. The chief advocate shall select other advocates needed to carry out the intent of this section who shall report only to the chief advocate.

C. Both the chief advocate and all other advocates shall be classified state employees.

3. Duties. The Office of Advocacy, through the chief advocate and the other advocates, office of advocacy shall:

A. Receive or refer complaints made by clients of the department and represent the interests of clients in any matter pertaining to the rights and dignity of clients;

B. Intercede on behalf of these clients with officials of the institutions, facilities and agencies administered, licensed or funded by the department, except that the Office of Advocacy office of advocacy may refuse to take action on any complaint which that it deems considers to be trivial or moot or for which there is clearly another remedy available;

C. Assist clients in any hearing or grievance proceeding of the department;