§ 20-10-216 - Powers and duties of the Department of Health and Human Services. - Arkansas Statutes

20-10-216. Powers and duties of the Department of Health and Human Services.

(a) In carrying out 20-10-213 -- 20-10-228, the Department of Health and Human Services is empowered and directed to:

(1) Require such reports, make such inspections and investigations, and prescribe and enforce such reasonable rules and regulations as it finds necessary to effectuate 20-10-213 -- 20-10-228;

(2) Provide methods of administration and appoint a director and other personnel of the department;

(3) Procure and pay for the temporary services of experts or consultants on a fee-for-service basis;

(4) Enter into agreements for the utilization of the facilities and services of other departments, agencies, and institutions, public and private;

(5) Accept on behalf of the state and deposit with the Treasurer of State any grant, gift, or contribution of funds made to assist in meeting the cost of carrying out 20-10-213 -- 20-10-228 and expend such funds accordingly;

(6) Make an annual report to the Governor on activities and expenditures made pursuant to 20-10-213 -- 20-10-228;

(7) Procure the services of an attorney to assist the department in any legal work involved in carrying out the duties of the department and pay for the services on a fee-for-service or retainer basis; and

(8) Accept a certificate made by an individual's physician that the individual is in need of nursing home care or that he or she can provide for himself or herself.

(b) The department shall adopt, promulgate, and enforce such rules, regulations, and standards as may be necessary for the accomplishment of 20-10-213 -- 20-10-228. The rules, regulations, and standards shall be modified, amended, or rescinded by the department as may be in the public interest.