As used in this chapter:
"Department" means the departments of social and health services, children, youth, and families, and corrections; and
"Secretary" means the secretaries of social and health services, children, youth, and families, and corrections.
The powers and duties granted and imposed in this chapter, when applicable, apply to the departments of social and health services, children, youth, and families, and corrections and the secretaries of social and health services, children, youth, and families and corrections, for institutions under their control. A power or duty may be exercised or fulfilled jointly if joint action is more efficient, as determined by the secretaries.