The state agency shall ensure that adequate legal counsel is available, and is able, without conflict of interest, to:

(1) Provide advice and consultation needed to protect the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents;

(2) Pursue administrative, legal, and other remedies on behalf of residents;

(3) Assist representatives of the state office in performance of their duties; and

(4) Provide legal representation to any representative of the state office, including ombudsmen, against whom legal action is threatened or brought in connection with performance of their duties.