(1) The Office of the Veteran Advocate (OVA) was created by St. 2022, c. 144 codified in part as M.G.L. c. 115B. OVA safeguards the wellbeing, dignified treatment, rights, and benefits of veterans in the care of, or receiving services from the Commonwealth; ensuring these veterans and their families receive compassionate, timely, and effective services. OVA collaborates to facilitate access to federal and state benefits and conducts thorough investigations to enhance care and services provided to veterans.(2) The Office of the Veteran Advocate is authorized to receive complaints and information; initiate audits and investigations; conduct inspections; review legislation and regulations and make recommendations thereon; recommend policies or practices which will assist in its mission; and, when warranted, report or refer its audit or investigative findings to appropriate investigative, prosecutorial, or otherwise interested public agencies. 123 CMR 2.00 is promulgated pursuant to M.G.L. c. 115B. They have been adopted to guide OVA in the fair and effective discharge of its statutory function, to inform interested persons of the policies and practices employed by OVA, and to protect the rights of witnesses, complainants, informants, or other individuals or public bodies affected by OVA's proceedings.Adopted by Mass Register Issue 1531, eff. 9/27/2024.