§1205. Office of Advocacy

1.__Establishment.__The Office of Advocacy, referred to in this section as "the office," is established within the Office of Advocacy of the department solely to investigate the claims of rights violations and grievances of clients of the department and to advocate on behalf of clients for compliance by any institution, other facility or agency administered, licensed or funded by the department to serve clients with all laws, administrative rules and institutional and other policies relating to the rights and dignity of clients.

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 report only to the chief advocate.

C.__Both the chief advocate and all other advocates are classified state employees.

3.__Duties.__The Office of Advocacy, through the chief advocate and the other advocates, 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 may refuse to take action on any complaint that it 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;