1. (1) Except as provided in Subsection (3), the ombudsman shall, upon receipt of a complaint, investigate the complaint.

2. (2) An ombudsman's investigation of a complaint may include:

   1. (a) a referral to a governmental entity or other services;
   2. (b) the collection of facts, information, or documentation;
   3. (c) holding an investigatory hearing; or
   4. (d) an inspection of the premises of the person named in the complaint.

3. (3)

   1. (a) The ombudsman may decline to investigate a complaint.
   2. (b) If the ombudsman declines to investigate a complaint, the ombudsman shall notify the complainant and the division of the declination.

4. (4) The division shall make rules, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, that govern the ombudsman's process for:

   1. (a) receiving and processing complaints; and
   2. (b) conducting an investigation in accordance with this section.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 308, 2023 General Session