217.020. The department shall:
(1) Supervise and control programs assigned to it and any ofits divisions by the general assembly;
(2) Have the authority to sue and be sued;
(3) Advise, consult and cooperate with other state agencies,local governmental units, private entities, other states andinterstate and interlocal agencies in developing and implementingprograms to fulfill the department's responsibilities.
(L. 1982 H.B. 1196 ยง 3, A.L. 1989 H.B. 408)