The department shall:
(1) Supervise the administration of medical assistance;
(2) Make such rules and regulations and take such action as may be necessary or desirable for carrying out of this part, to the end that equitable treatment shall be afforded to individuals in similar circumstances. All rules and regulations made by the department shall be binding on the counties and shall be complied with by the respective regional directors;
(3) Establish statewide standards for determining the amount of medical assistance that any person shall receive;
(4) Employ personnel for the administration of this part in conformity with title 8, chapter 30, and the rules and regulations of the department of human resources; and
(5) Publish an annual report and such interim reports as may be necessary.