(1) There is created by the Mississippi Council on Aging within the Division of Aging and Adult Services the independent organizational unit called the Office of the State Long-Term Care Facilities Ombudsman as provided by the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, 42 USCS 3001, which is headed by a State Ombudsman.
(2) The council shall establish the qualifications of the state representatives of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Facilities Ombudsman.
(3) There shall be a position of legal assistance developer within the council who is a member in good standing with The Mississippi Bar who will assist the State Ombudsman in carrying out the duties to protect the health, safety, rights and welfare of residents and provide adequate administrative and legal representation on behalf of residents of Long-Term care facilities in a manner free of conflict of interest.