4. a. The Veteran Advocate may:
(1)inspect and review the operations, policies, and procedures of veterans’ facilities operated by the department;
(2)investigate, review, monitor, or evaluate department response to, or disposition of, an allegation of veteran abuse or neglect occurring within a veterans’ facility in this State;
(3)review, evaluate, report on, and make recommendations concerning the procedures established by the department;
(4)hold a public hearing on the subject of studies underway by the office and receive testimony from agency and program representatives, the public, and other interested parties, as the Veteran Advocate deems appropriate; and (5) establish and maintain a 24-hour, toll-free telephone hotline to receive and respond to calls from members of the public r
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4. a. The Veteran Advocate may: (1) inspect and review the operations, policies, and procedures of veterans’ facilities operated by the department; (2) investigate, review, monitor, or evaluate department response to, or disposition of, an allegation of veteran abuse or neglect occurring within a veterans’ facility in this State; (3) review, evaluate, report on, and make recommendations concerning the procedures established by the department; (4) hold a public hearing on the subject of studies underway by the office and receive testimony from agency and program representatives, the public, and other interested parties, as the Veteran Advocate deems appropriate; and (5) establish and maintain a 24-hour, toll-free telephone hotline to receive and respond to calls from members of the public referring individual and systemic concerns to the Veteran Advocate. b. In exercising the authority provided in subsection a. of this section, the Veteran Advocate may conduct unannounced site visits to any institution or facility under the supervision of the department, if the Veteran Advocate, prior to conducting an unannounced site visit, has initiated a project or investigation into the response or disposition of an allegation of abuse or neglect and there is a reasonable basis to believe that an unannounced site visit is necessary to carry out the Veteran Advocate’s responsibilities under this act, P.L.2025, c.172 (C.38A:21A-1 et al.), provided, however, that any unannounced site visit shall be conducted at a reasonable time and in a reasonable manner. c. In exercising the authority provided under subsection a. of this section and section 5 of P.L.2025, c.172 (C.38A:21A-5) the Veteran Advocate may, as appropriate, consult with any appropriate State, county, or municipal agency, or a State-funded private entity providing services to veterans, and may request from any such entity, and the entity is hereby authorized and directed to provide, such cooperation and assistance as will enable the Office of the Veteran Advocate to properly perform its responsibilities under this act. d. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 11 of P.L.1944, c.20 (C.52:17A-11) to the contrary, the Veteran Advocate may hire independent counsel on a case-by-case basis to provide competent representation in light of the nature of the case, the services to be performed, the experience of the particular attorney, and other relevant factors. e. As used in this section, “veterans’ facility” means any home, institution, hospital, or part thereof, the admission to which is under the jurisdiction of the department, including Veterans Haven North and Veterans Haven South. L.2025, c.172, s.4.