1. The state registrar shall:
a. Direct and supervise the statewide system of vital records and registration and be the primary custodian of said records.
b. Direct, supervise, and control the activities of subregistrars and the activities of other local officials related to the operation of the vital records registration system.
c. Prescribe, with the approval of the department of health and human services, and distribute such forms as required by this chapter and the rules and regulations issued hereunder.
2. The deputy state registrar shall possess the powers of the state registrar during the registrar's absence, delegation, inability to act, or during the time there is a vacancy in the office.