(1) The SCC shall retain an ombudsman service for the purpose of conducting independent, neutral reviews of program conformance with internal SCC policies in the care, control and treatment of residents at the SCC.

(2) The ombudsman function shall be outside the supervision of the superintendent of the SCC and of the assistant secretary for health and rehabilitation services.

(3) In performance of the ombudsman function, the individual(s) so employed shall be afforded access to all records and documents normally available to public inspection according to rules and policies of the department and of the state of Washington.