§27-1A-4 Powers and duties of the commissioner; power of eminent domain.
§27-1A-4. Powers and duties of the commissioner; power of eminent domain.
The commissioner shall be the executive head of the department, and as such shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) To develop and maintain a state plan which sets forth needs of the state in the areas of mental health and mental retardation; goals and objectives for meeting those needs; plan of operation for achieving the stated goals and objectives, including organizational structure; and statement of requirements in personnel funds and authority for achieving the goals and objectives.
(b) To appoint deputies and assistants to supervise the departmental programs, including hospital and residential services, and such other assistants and employees as may be necessary for the efficient operation of the department and all its programs.
(c) To promulgate rules and regulations clearly specifying the respective duties and responsibilities of program directors and fiscal administrators, making a clear distinction between the respective functions of these officials.
(d) To delegate to any of his appointees, assistants or employees all powers and duties vested in the commissioner, including the power to execute contracts and agreements in the name of the department as provided in this article, but the commissioner shall be responsible for the acts of such appointees, assistants and employees.
(e) To supervise and coordinate the operation of the state hospitals named in article two of this chapter and any other state hospitals, centers or institutions hereafter created for the care and treatment of the mentally ill or mentally retarded, or both.
(f) To transfer a patient from any state hospital to any other state hospital or clinic under his control and, by agreement with the state commissioner of public institutions, transfer a patient from a state hospital to an institution, other than correctional, under the supervision of the state commissioner of public institutions.
(g) To make periodic reports to the governor and to the Legislature on the condition of the state hospitals, centers and institutions or on other matters within his authority, which shall include recommendations for improvement of any mental health facility and any other matters affecting the mental health of the people of the state.
The commissioner of mental health shall have all of the authority vested in the divisions of the department, as hereinafter provided.
The commissioner is hereby authorized and empowered to accept and use for the benefit of a state hospital, center or institution, or for any other mental health purpose specified in this chapter, any gift or devise of any property or thing which lawfully may be given. If such a gift or devise is for a specific purpose or for a particular state hospital, center or institution, it shall be used as specified. Any gift or devise of any property or thing which lawfully may be given and whatever profit may arise from its use or investment shall be deposited in a special revenue fund with the state treasurer, and shall be used only as specified by the donor or donors.
Whenever it shall become necessary, the department of mental health may condemn any interest, right or privilege, land or improvement, which in its opinion may be necessary, in the manner provided by law, for the acquisition by this state of property for public purposes.