Sec. 15. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, the department may purchase and use the services of any public or private agency if adequate provision is made for continuity of care and accountability.
(b) If the department purchases services under this article, the state shall reimburse the expenses, to the extent allowed by state and federal statutes, rules, and regulations, to the locality or agency in the same manner and to the same extent as if the services were provided directly by the department.