201—11.1 (17A) General. Any interested person may solicit oral or written advice from the director concerning the application or interpretation of any statute or administrative rule dealing with the department of corrections. However, unless the request is made pursuant to Iowa Code section 17A.9, petition for declaratory ruling, any such advice is not binding upon the department. Petitioners for a declaratory ruling must have a real and direct interest in a specific fact situation which may affect their legal rights, duties or responsibilities under statutes or regulations administered by the department.