(a) The board shall issue regulations to implement this chapter in accordance with the intent of this chapter to safeguard the rights of the mentally ill, as set forth in Code Sections 37-3-100, 37-3-101, and 37-3-120, and Article 6 of this chapter.

(b) In addition to the other powers provided by this chapter, the department shall have the authority:

(1) To enforce the regulations issued by the board;

(2) To prescribe the forms of applications, records, medical certificates, and any other forms required or used under this chapter and the information required to be contained therein;

(3) To require such reports from any facility as it may find necessary to the performance of its duties or functions;

(4) To visit facilities regularly to review the hospitalization procedures applied to all patients;

(5) To determine the care and treatment being given all patients;

(6) To investigate complaints and make reports and recommendations relative to the same; and

(7) To make effective such procedures and orders as may be appropriate to carry out this chapter.

Notwithstanding the powers granted to the department under this Code section, the requirements of this Code section as to determination of treatment and care of patients and the investigation of complaints shall not apply to patients hospitalized in an institution operated by or under the control of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or any other federal agency.