(a) The Office of the Healthcare Advocate may apply for and accept grants, gifts and bequests of funds from other states, federal and interstate agencies and independent authorities and private firms, individuals and foundations, for the purpose of carrying out its responsibilities.
(b) There is established within the General Fund a Healthcare Advocate account that shall be a separate nonlapsing account. Any funds received under this section shall, upon deposit in the General Fund, be credited to said account and may be used by the Office of the Healthcare Advocate in the performance of its duties.