The department may commence and maintain all proper and necessary actions and proceedings for any or all of the following purposes:

1. (a) To enforce its regulations.
2. (b) To enjoin and abate nuisances dangerous to health.
3. (c) To compel the performance of any act specifically enjoined upon any person, officer, or board, by any law of this state relating to the public health.

4. (d) To protect and preserve the public health.

   It may defend all actions and proceedings involving its powers and duties. In all actions and proceedings it shall sue and be sued under the name of the department.