The attorney general shall be the legal adviser for the department and shall defend it in all actions and proceedings brought against it. The district attorney of the judicial district in which a cause of action may arise shall bring any action, civil or criminal, requested by the executive director of the department to abate a condition which exists in violation of, or to restrain or enjoin any action which is in violation of, or to prosecute for the violation of or for the enforcement of the public health laws or the standards, orders, rules, and regulations of the department established by or issued under the provisions of this part 1. If the district attorney fails to act, the executive director may bring any such action and shall be represented by the attorney general or, with the approval of the board, by special counsel.