§349-3 General functions, duties, and powers of the director. The director shall have the following principal functions, duties, and powers:
(1) Serve as the principal official in state government solely responsible for the performance, development, and control of programs, policies, and activities on behalf of elders;
(2) Oversee, supervise, and direct the performance by the director's subordinates of activities in such areas as planning, evaluation, and coordination of elder programs and development of a statewide service delivery network;
(3) Assess the policies and practices of other agencies impacting on elders and conduct advocacy efforts for elders;
(4) Advise the governor on new legislation, programs, and policy initiatives and conduct such liaison as would be required to implement them;
(5) Serve as a member of advisory boards and regulatory panels of state agencies in such areas as income maintenance, public employment, retirement systems, certification of health care facilities and programs, social service and medical assistance, and housing and employment, among others;
(6) Administer funds allocated for the executive office on aging; and apply for, receive, and disburse grants and donations from all sources for elder programs and services;
(7) Establish a clearinghouse for complaints of persons regarding services to elders, or operations of state and county agencies affecting elders, investigate the complaints, and refer the complaints and the director's findings to the appropriate agency for corrective action;
(8) Adopt, amend, and repeal rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the purposes of this chapter;
(9) Employ and retain such staff as may be necessary for the purposes of this chapter, in conformity with chapter 76; and
(10) Contract for or grant such services as may be necessary for the purposes of this chapter, including master contract with other state agencies receiving federal and state funds for programs and services for the aging, and purchase of service agreements with appropriate agencies. [L 1976, c 217, pt of §2; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 67, §8; am L 2000, c 253, §150]