The department shall:

1. (1) Supervise and control programs assigned to it and any of its divisions by the general assembly;
2. (2) Have the authority to sue and be sued;
3. (3) Advise, consult and cooperate with other state agencies, local governmental units, private entities, other states and interstate and interlocal agencies in developing and implementing programs to fulfill the department's responsibilities.

(L. 1982 H.B. 1196 § 3, A.L. 1989 H.B. 408)