Section 700. Federal aid; department to administer

1. The department is
  hereby  designated  as  the  agency  of  the  state  to  administer  the
  provisions  of  the  federal social security act or any other act of the
  congress which relate to maternal and child health  services,  the  care
  and  treatment  of  children with physical disabilities and other public
  health  work  and  to  co-operate  with  the  duly  constituted  federal
  authorities charged with the administration thereof.
    2.  The  commissioner  is authorized and empowered to take such steps,
  not inconsistent with law, as  may  be  necessary  for  the  purpose  of
  procuring  for  the  people  of  this  state  all  of  the  benefits and
  assistance, financial and otherwise, provided, or to be provided for, by
  or pursuant to any act of congress relating to maternal and child health
  services, care and treatment of children with physical disabilities  and
  other public health work.