§ 104 - Function and powers of department
§ 104. Function and powers of department
(a) The department shall administer all laws specifically assigned to it for administration.
(b) In addition to other powers vested in it by law, the department may:
(1) Provide aid required for the administration of programs of:
(A) Aid to the aged, blind and disabled.
(B) Aid to needy families with children.
(C) Community work and training.
(D) Federal supplementary benefits.
(E) General assistance.
(F) Medical assistance.
(2) Cooperate with the appropriate federal agencies in receiving, to the extent available, federal funds in support of programs which the department administers.
(3) Submit plans and reports, make regulations, and in other respects comply with the provisions of the social security act which pertain to programs administered by the department.
(4) Receive and disburse funds which are assigned, donated or bequeathed to it for charitable purposes or for the benefit of recipients of assistance or benefits.
(5) Receive in trust and expend in accordance with the provisions of the trust, funds and property assigned, donated, devised or bequeathed to it for charitable purposes or for the benefit of recipients of assistance or benefits. Trust funds accepted by the department shall be safely invested by the state treasurer. Real property received in trust may, at the discretion of the commissioner, be administered by the department of buildings and general services of the agency of administration. Neither this nor the preceding subdivision shall be construed to require the department to accept funds or trusts, when the commissioner, with the approval of the governor, considers it in the best interests of the state to refuse them.
(6) Aid and assist in charitable work as in the judgment of the commissioner will best promote the general welfare of the state.
(7) Visit all institutions, homes, places and establishments soliciting public support and located in the state, which are devoted or used for the care of needy persons. (Added 1967, No. 147, § 1; amended 1973, No. 152 (Adj. Sess.), § 12, eff. April 14, 1974; 1983, No. 147 (Adj. Sess.), § 4(a), eff. April 11, 1984.)