(1) Except during the course of an investigation carried out under Section 43-7-65, ombudsmen shall have access to long-term care facilities for the purposes of carrying out the duties enumerated by Sections 43-7-51 through 43-7-79 during reasonable hours or at other times with the prior approval of the administrator of the long-term care facility. Access shall mean: Access to the long-term care facility;
(2) Private communication with residents and their sponsors; and
(3) The right to tour the long-term care facility unescorted.
(4) No person shall discriminate, retaliate or engage in willful interference against any resident, immediate family, resident representative or an employee of a long-term care facility due to making a complaint or giving information in good faith to the State Ombudsman Program.
(5) Any person convicted of violating any provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.