Authority

(1) Department. The establishment of the Department was authorized by St. 1986, c. 599 as renamed by St. 2008, c. 182. The Authority of the Department derives primarily from the provisions of M.G.L. c. 19B and M.G.L. c. 123B. All regulations adopted pursuant to M.G.L. chs. 19B and 123B, and any rights arising from such regulations, are subject to appropriation. The Department is the intellectual disability and developmental disability authority in Massachusetts. (2) Commissioner. The Department is under the exclusive supervision and control of the Commissioner of Developmental Services, in 115 CMR called the Commissioner. The Commissioner is appointed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services subject to the approval of the Governor. (3) Breadth of Services. The Department's authority to provide services and supports derives from statute and is not restricted by the description of specific types of services or supports in 115 CMR. Nothing in 115 CMR shall be interpreted to prevent the Department from developing and implementing new types or models of services or supports, including but not limited to direct cash assistance or vouchers systems.