(a) The ombudsman shall provide for the training and certification of office staff, including volunteers and other representatives of the office. Training must include instruction in federal, state, and local laws and policies relating to long term care facilities in the state, and in investigative techniques. The ombudsman may require other appropriate training. The ombudsman may decertify a person under this section for good cause in accordance with regulations adopted by the authority.
(b) An employee, volunteer, or other representative of the office may not investigate a complaint under AS 47.62.015 unless certified as having completed training under this section and approved by the ombudsman as qualified to investigate the complaint.