Section 43.06A.030. Duties.

The ombuds shall perform the following duties:

(1) Provide information as appropriate on the rights and responsibilities of individuals receiving family and children's services, and on the procedures for providing these services;

(2) Investigate, upon his or her own initiative or upon receipt of a complaint, an administrative act alleged to be contrary to law, rule, or policy, imposed without an adequate statement of reason, or based on irrelevant, immaterial, or erroneous grounds; however, the ombuds may decline to investigate any complaint as provided by rules adopted under this chapter;

(3) Monitor the procedures as established, implemented, and practiced by the department to carry out its responsibilities in delivering family and children's services with a view toward appropriate preservation of families and ensuring children's health and safety;

(4) Review periodically the facilities and procedures of state institutions serving children, and state-licensed facilities or residences;

(5) Recommend changes in the procedures for addressing the needs of families and children;

(6) Submit annually to the committee and to the governor by November 1st a report analyzing the work of the office, including recommendations;

(7) Grant the committee access to all relevant records in the possession of the ombuds unless prohibited by law; and

(8) Adopt rules necessary to implement this chapter.

[ 2013 c 23 § 73; 1996 c 131 § 4.]

2013 c 23 § 73; 1996 c 131 § 4.