The functions of the Commissioner are –

(a) to prepare and regularly review a Charter of Health Rights as required under Part 3 ; and

(b) to identify and review issues arising out of complaints and suggest ways of improving health services and preserving and increasing health rights; and

(c) to provide information, education and advice in relation to –

(i) the Charter; and

(ii) health rights and responsibilities; and

(iii) procedures for resolving complaints; and

(d) to receive, assess and resolve complaints; and

(e) to encourage and assist health service users to resolve complaints directly with health service providers; and

(f) to assist health service providers to develop procedures to resolve complaints; and

(g) to inquire into and report on any matter relating to health services at his or her own discretion or on the direction of the Health Minister; and

(h) to advise and report to the Minister and the Health Minister on any matter relating to health services or the administration of this Act; and

(i) to provide information, advice and reports to registration boards; and

(j) to maintain links with –

(i) health service providers generally; and

(ii) organizations that have an interest in the provision of health services; and

(iii) organizations that represent the interests of the users of health services; and

(k) to consult and co-operate with any public authority that has a function to protect the rights of individuals in Tasmania, including –

(i) the Ombudsman; and

(ii) the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission of the Commonwealth; and

(l) to perform any other functions imposed on the Commissioner by or under this or any other Act.