A. The commission [department] may:
(1) grant an award to repay loans obtained for legal education expenses of a participating attorney as consideration and inducement to the attorney to engage in public service employment; and
(2) delegate to other agencies or contract for the performance of services required by the provisions of the Public Service Law Loan Repayment Act.
B. The commission [department] shall make a full and careful investigation of the ability, character and qualifications of each applicant and determine fitness to become a participating attorney in the public service law loan repayment program.