GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF BOARD

(a) The board shall maintain oversight and supervision of the following independent reporting entities: (1) the office of the independent auditor; (2) the office of the independent ombudsman; (3) the office of the inspector general; (4) the office of the ombudsperson appointed under Section 501.172; and (5) the office providing legal representation under Article 26.051, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Section 841.005, Health and Safety Code. (a-1) The board may adopt rules as necessary for its own procedures and for operation of the department and the independent reporting entities. (b) The board shall employ an executive director. The board shall supervise the executive director's administration of the department. (b-1) The board shall employ a director for each independent reporting entity, and each director serves at the pleasure of the board. (c) The board shall approve the operating budget of and requests for appropriations for the department and the independent reporting entities. (d) The board shall appoint the members of any advisory committees to the department. (e) The board shall develop and implement policies that clearly separate the policymaking responsibilities of the board and the management responsibilities of the executive director and the staff of the department and the independent reporting entities. (f) The board may apply for and accept gifts or grants from any public or private source for use in maintaining and improving correctional programs and services.