For the purpose of granting consent for the rendering of needed medical assistance, the State shall stand in the relationship of parent and legal guardian of the child needing the assistance, and the State shall have exclusive authority to grant consent for the assistance, notwithstanding the provisions of any other statute or law. The Commissioner, and any other officer or employee he or she may so designate, shall represent the State in this relationship. (Added 1971, No. 199 (Adj. Sess.), § 20.)