B. The records and accounts may be released only as provided by law.

6. Definition. For the purposes of this section, "client" means a person included in the definition of client under section 1001, subsection 2, an adult or child receiving mental health, mental retardation or behavioral health services and a person seeking or requesting services as a client.

7. Protection for advocates. Advocates may not be disciplined or sanctioned for any actions taken on behalf of clients.

8. Budget. When submitting any budget request to the Legislature, the department and the Governor shall provide that any funds for contracting for the services of the Office of Advocacy office of advocacy be listed in a separate account.

Sec. OO-3. 34-B MRSA §5606, sub-§1, as amended by PL 1993, c. 326, §10, is further amended to read:

1. Report and investigation. Any alleged violation of the rights of a person receiving services must be reported immediately to the Office of Advocacy of the department office of advocacy pursuant to section 1205 and to the Attorney General's office.

A. The Office of Advocacy office of advocacy shall conduct an investigation of each alleged violation pursuant to section 1205.

B. The Office of Advocacy office of advocacy shall submit a written report of the findings and results of the investigation to the chief administrative officer of the facility in which the rights of the person receiving services were allegedly violated and to the commissioner within 2 working days after the day of the occurrence or discovery of the alleged incident.

Sec. OO-4. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF (Formerly BDS)

Office of Advocacy 0632