Subdivision 1. Staff.
The ombudsman may appoint a deputy and a confidential secretary in the unclassified service and may appoint other employees as authorized by the legislature. The ombudsman and the full-time staff are members of the Minnesota State Retirement Association.
Subd. 2. Advocacy.
The function of mental health and developmental disability client advocacy in the Department of Human Services is transferred to the Office of Ombudsman according to section 15.039 . The ombudsman shall maintain at least one client advocate in each regional center.
Subd. 3. Delegation.
The ombudsman may delegate to members of the staff any authority or duties of the office except the duty of formally making recommendations to an agency or facility or reports to the governor or the legislature.