(A) The office of the state long-term care ombudsman program, through the state long-term care ombudsman and the regional long-term care ombudsman programs, shall receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve complaints made by residents, recipients, sponsors, providers of long-term care, or any person acting on behalf of a resident or recipient, relating to either of the following:

1. (1) The health, safety, welfare, or civil rights of a resident or recipient or any violation of a resident's rights described in sections 3721.10 to 3721.17 of the Revised Code;
2. (2) Any action or inaction or decision by a provider of long-term care or representative of a provider, a governmental entity, or a private social service agency that may adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, or rights of a resident or recipient.

(C) The office of the state long-term care ombudsman program may decline to investigate any complaint if it determines any of the following:

1. (1) That the complaint is frivolous, vexatious, or not made in good faith;
2. (2) That the complaint was made so long after the occurrence of the incident on which it is based that it is no longer reasonable to conduct an investigation;
3. (3) That an adequate investigation cannot be conducted because of insufficient funds, insufficient staff, lack of staff expertise, or any other reasonable factor that would result in an inadequate investigation despite a good faith effort;
4. (4) That an investigation by the office would create a real or apparent conflict of interest.