Section 2890. Policy and purposes of article

It is hereby declared that the
  recruitment,  training,  availability  and proper performance of nursing
  service personnel in hospitals, nursing homes and home  health  agencies
  are  matters  of  vital  concern  to  the  public  health. Shortages and
  improper utilization of nursing service resources result in  neglect  of
  the health needs of sick, injured, disabled, infirm and invalid persons,
  and  improper  performance  of nursing services. In order to provide for
  the protection and promotion of the health of  the  inhabitants  of  the
  state,  the  department  of health shall have the central, comprehensive
  responsibility for the development and  administration  of  the  state's
  policy  with  respect  to nursing service and the utilization of nursing
  service manpower resources by hospitals, nursing homes and  home  health
  agencies.