726

The Ombudsman may appoint Assistant Ombudsmen and delegate to them any of the functions provided in this chapter, except for the appointing and rulemaking authorities. The persons appointed as Assistant Ombudsmen shall be of recognized professional capacity and independence of judgment. Furthermore, they shall have knowledge and/or experience in public administration, government procedure, and elderly-related services. They must also be knowledgeable in gerontology.In addition to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, a person appointed as Assistant Ombudsman, who at any given time may be temporarily designated by the Ombudsman to hold his/her office and assume his/her functions, duties, and powers until the Ombudsman returns to office, shall have pursued studies related to the field of gerontology. This shall also apply in the event that a disability prevents the Ombudsman from continuing to hold office or when said position becomes permanently vacant. History —July 24, 2013, No. 76, § 7.