(a) The State‘s Attorneys of the several counties shall represent the people of the State of Illinois in court proceedings under this Chapter and in proceedings under Section 2-107.1 in their respective counties, shall attend such proceedings either in person or by assistant, and shall ensure that petitions, reports and orders are properly prepared. Nothing herein contained shall prevent any party, including any petitioner, from being represented by his own counsel.
     (b) Any community mental health provider or inpatient mental health facility, including hospitals operated by the Department, may be represented by counsel in court proceedings under this Chapter if they are providing services or funding for services to the respondent, or if an order by the court directing said entity to provide services or funding for services to the respondent is being sought by any party.