The department shall, consistent with federal and state laws:

(1) Establish procedures for designating and contracting with a qualified private, nonprofit organization to provide the state long-term care ombudsman program services, including legal services;

(2) Facilitate the exchange of information among appropriate state agencies and organizations regarding issues relating to the long-term care ombudsman program;

(3) Help the state long-term care ombudsman obtain direct access to the directors and key staff of state governmental entities with responsibilities that impact residents of long-term care facilities;

(4) Provide other assistance to the ombudsman program as the department deems appropriate;

(5) Monitor program activities and the expenditure of state and federal funds under the contract with the state office for appropriate utilization of funds, compliance with state and federal laws, and fulfillment of contract obligations; and

(6) Assure, along with the state office, that no ombudsman is subject to a conflict of interest.