(a) The department shall administer the state assistance programs, for which responsibility it shall have:
(1) All powers, not inconsistent with state law, as may be necessary for this state to obtain maximum federal funds made available for federal-state assistance within whatever limits or restrictions may be imposed by, or may exist by reason of the amount of state funds appropriated for the assistance; and
(2) All powers, not inconsistent with state law, as may be necessary for the disbursement and distribution of assistance in as prompt, fair, orderly, efficient and economical manner as possible.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, each, agency, commission or board of state government shall make available to the department information and data it collects about any applicant for or recipient of any type assistance to determine if an applicant or recipient is qualified or eligible for any such assistance.