(a) The long-term care ombudsperson may request from any government agency, and the agency is authorized and directed to provide, any cooperation and assistance, services, and data as will enable the long-term care ombudsperson to properly perform or exercise any of the ombudsperson's functions, duties, and powers under this chapter.
(b) The long-term care ombudsperson shall, to the extent permissible under the provisions of section 712 of the Older Americans Act (42 U.S.C. § 3058g) as amended in 2000, cooperate and assist other government agencies in their investigations, such as the department of health, the department of attorney general, the department of human services, and any other pertinent department or agency.