The commissioner shall implement a departmental procedure in which a committed person may submit grievances arising out of the administrative acts of the department that affect that person. Although the procedure should encourage flexibility and informality in the resolution of grievances, it must be consistent with the following minimum requirements:

1. (1) A committed person shall be informed of the grievance procedure as part of his orientation.
2. (2) The department must periodically communicate to a committed person the rules and policies affecting him.
3. (3) The department shall keep the person reasonably informed as to the status and ultimate disposition of his grievance.

4. (4) The department may not undertake any act or practice that would discipline a person for, or otherwise discourage or limit him from, utilizing the grievance procedure.

   As added by Acts 1979, P.L.120, SEC.4.