(a) The protection and advocacy agency is authorized to complement the role of the Department in promoting the health, safety, and well being of patients under this subchapter through monitoring, investigation, and advocacy. In furtherance of this authority, the protection and advocacy agency may engage in the following functions:
(1) Solicit and receive oral and written reports and complaints of abuse, neglect, mistreatment or financial exploitation of facility patients; and
(2) Access a facility; interview patients, residents, facility staff and agents; and inspect and copy records pertaining to a patient with valid consent or as otherwise authorized by federal law.
(b) No facility shall retaliate or discriminate against any patient or person submitting a report to the protection and advocacy agency or cooperating with the agency's monitoring, investigation, or advocacy activities.