Section 171. Regulations governing the long term care insurance plan

1.
  The president, subject to the provisions  of  this  article,  is  hereby
  empowered  to  establish  such  regulations  as  may be required for the
  effective administration of this article.
    2. Notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of this article, no rule
  or regulation shall be adopted, repealed or amended, and no other action
  taken with respect to state employees affecting the rate or  eligibility
  for benefits under this article, without the approval of the director of
  employee relations.