(a) Following an investigation, the state ombudsman or community ombudsman may report his or her opinions or recommendations to the party or parties affected thereby and shall attempt to resolve the complaint using, whenever possible, informal techniques of mediation, conciliation, and persuasion. With respect to a complaint against the services provider, the ombudsman may first notify the administrator or person in charge of that provider in writing and give such person a reasonable opportunity to correct any alleged defect. If so notified and the administrator or person in charge fails to take corrective action after a reasonable amount of time or if the defect seriously threatens the safety or well-being of any service recipient, the state ombudsman or community ombudsman may refer the complaint to the appropriate regional board and any other appropriate agency.

(b) Complaints or conditions adversely affecting service recipients which cannot be resolved in the manner described in subsection (a) of this Code section shall, whenever possible, be referred by the state ombudsman or community ombudsman to the appropriate regional board and any other appropriate agency.

(c) A community ombudsman shall not disclose to the public, either directly or indirectly, the identity of any services provider which is the subject of an investigation unless and until the matter has been reviewed by the office of the state ombudsman and the matter has been referred to the appropriate regional board and any other appropriate governmental agency for action.