§349-3  General functions, duties, andpowers of the director.  The director shall have the following principalfunctions, duties, and powers:

(1)  Serve as the principal official in stategovernment solely responsible for the performance, development, and control ofprograms, policies, and activities on behalf of elders;

(2)  Oversee, supervise, and direct the performance bythe director's subordinates of activities in such areas as planning,evaluation, and coordination of elder programs and development of a statewideservice delivery network;

(3)  Assess the policies and practices of otheragencies 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 toimplement them;

(5)  Serve as a member of advisory boards andregulatory panels of state agencies in such areas as income maintenance, publicemployment, retirement systems, certification of health care facilities andprograms, social service and medical assistance, and housing and employment,among others;

(6)  Administer funds allocated for the executiveoffice on aging; and apply for, receive, and disburse grants and donations fromall sources for elder programs and services;

(7)  Establish a clearinghouse for complaints ofpersons regarding services to elders, or operations of state and countyagencies affecting elders, investigate the complaints, and refer the complaintsand the director's findings to the appropriate agency for corrective action;

(8)  Adopt, amend, and repeal rules pursuant tochapter 91 for the purposes of this chapter;

(9)  Employ and retain such staff as may be necessaryfor the purposes of this chapter, in conformity with chapter 76; and

(10)  Contract for or grant such services as may benecessary for the purposes of this chapter, including master contract withother state agencies receiving federal and state funds for programs andservices for the aging, and purchase of service agreements with appropriateagencies. [L 1976, c 217, pt of §2; gen ch 1985; am L 1990, c 67, §8; am L2000, c 253, §150]