(1) The Division of Ombudsman and Workers' Compensation Specialist Services shall be headed by a director appointed by the commissioner with the approval of the Governor, in accordance with KRS 12.050 and 342.230. The functions of the division shall include:
(a) Serving as an information source for employees, employers, medical, vocational, and rehabilitation personnel, carriers, and self-insurers;
(b) Responding to inquiries and complaints relative to the workers' compensation program;
(c) Advising all parties of their rights and obligations under this chapter;
(d) Assisting workers in obtaining medical reports, job descriptions, and other materials pertinent to a claim for benefits and preparing all documents necessary for a claim application; and (e) Performing other duties as required by the commissioner through administrative regulations promulgated by the commissioner.
(2) The employee, employer, carrier, self-insured administrator, and medical provider shall promptly comply with reasonable information requests from an ombudsman.
(3) The ombudsman program shall be staffed with personnel trained in techniques performed by ombudsmen and who are familiar with medical and vocational rehabilitation principles and knowledgeable about the provisions of this chapter and applicable administrative regulations.
(4) A toll-free telephone number shall be provided throughout the Commonwealth to insure easy access by all parties to the division.