Section 33-57-4. Appearances by advocate as consumer representative; initiation of proceedings; intervention; public dissemination; serving state employees

   (a) The advocate shall be entitled to appear, as a party or otherwise, on behalf of the consumers of this state of products or services provided by any person, firm, or corporation subject to the jurisdiction of the Commissioner or of the department in all proceedings or other matters pending before the department or the Commissioner.

(b) The advocate shall also appear in the same representative capacity as specified in subsection (a) of this Code section in similar administrative proceedings affecting the consumers of this state before any federal administrative agency or body which has regulatory jurisdiction over products or services purchased by consumers.

(c) The advocate shall be authorized in the same representative capacity as specified in subsection (a) of this Code section to initiate proceedings, by complaint or otherwise, before any federal or state administrative agency before which he or she is otherwise authorized to appear, with respect to matters properly within the cognizance of those agencies. When such complaint or other request is filed with the Commissioner, the Commissioner shall respond to such complaint or other request within 45 days.

(d) The advocate shall be authorized in the same representative capacity as specified in subsection (a) of this Code section to initiate or intervene as of right or otherwise appear in any judicial proceeding involving or arising out of any action taken by an administrative agency in a proceeding in which the advocate is authorized to appear under subsection (a), (b), or (c) of this Code section.

(e) The advocate shall be authorized to publish by available means, including Internet access, such information as the advocate may deem to be in the public interest relating to the duties and purposes of the advocate's office and findings, research, and studies conducted by that office, except any information which is confidential or privileged as otherwise provided by law.

(f) The advocate shall be authorized to hear complaints and to present and advocate positions affecting rates or benefits for any insurance products and services afforded to state employees and may for this purpose appear before any state officer or state entity providing or administering such benefits.

Code 1981, § 33-57-4, enacted by Ga. L. 1999, p. 335, § 2.