§9-2-5. Responsibility and powers of department; information and data to be supplied by
other agencies.
The department is charged with the responsibility of administering for the state the welfare
assistance programs, for which responsibility it shall have (1) all powers, not inconsistent with
state law, as may be necessary for this state to obtain maximum federal funds made available for
federal-state assistance within whatever limits or restrictions may be imposed by, or may exist by
reason of the amount of state funds appropriated for such assistance under, the state's budget act
and supplementary appropriation acts and (2) all powers, not inconsistent with state law, as may
be necessary for the disbursement and distribution of welfare assistance to those persons
qualified therefor in as prompt, fair, orderly, efficient and economical manner as possible.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, each department, agency,
commission or board of state government shall make available to the department of welfare such
information and data as each such department, agency, commission or board may collect about
any applicant for or recipient of any type of federal or state assistance upon such terms as may be
prescribed by the governor, if such information and data would be relevant in determining
whether such applicant or recipient is qualified or eligible for any such assistance, and after such
information and data have been obtained by the department of welfare, the same shall be used
only by such department of welfare in carrying out and discharging its powers, duties and
responsibilities.