Section 14000.5

On a regional pilot project basis, to the extent authorized by law, the director may enter into contracts with one or more nonprofit organizations to perform the functions of the department’s Office of the Ombudsman. These activities may include outreach, community education and training about health care consumer rights and responsibilities, including the production and distribution of consumer-oriented material, individual consumer assistance, including counseling, advice, assistance, education, advocacy, and referral as appropriate, establishing and operating a database to analyze the nature of the inquiries and requests for assistance, and training of department or county staff. These services may be made available to any person who may be eligible for or is receiving benefits under this chapter. Funds appropriated in the annual Budget Act for the support of the Office of the Ombudsman may be allocated for this purpose.