143-546.1. Duties of Secretary; cooperation with federal rehabilitation services administration or successor.

(a) [Duties of Secretary]. - In carrying out the purposes of this Article, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services shall:

(1) Ensure the cooperation of other divisions in the Department of Health and Human Services in implementing the provisions of this Article;

(2) Cooperate with other departments, agencies, and institutions, both public and private, in providing for the vocational rehabilitation and independent living of individuals with disabilities, in studying the problems involved, and in establishing, developing, and providing the programs, facilities, and services necessary to implement this Article;

(3) Conduct research and gather statistical data related to the vocational rehabilitation and independent living needs of individuals with disabilities; and

(4) Administer the expenditure of funds made available by appropriations by the General Assembly by grants from the federal government, and by gifts, grants, or reimbursements from private or public sources, or other sources, and any combination thereof for vocational rehabilitation and independent living services. Gifts or donations, from either public or private sources, as may be offered unconditionally or under conditions that are proper and consistent with this Article, shall be deposited in the State treasury in a fund to be known as the "Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living State Program Fund".

(b) Federal Funds. - In accepting federal funds provided under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, the State accepts all of the provisions and benefits of the Act. The Department of Health and Human Services shall:

(1) Cooperate with the Federal Rehabilitation Services Administration or its successor agency in the administration of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended;

(2) Administer vocational rehabilitation and independent living services provided in cooperation with the Federal Rehabilitation Services Administration or its successor agency through an approved State plan;

(3) Adopt rules as required by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and federal regulations promulgated pursuant to it.