Section 3. Statutory Authority

27 NMSA 1978 (1992 Repl.) provides for the health care authority (HCA) to “...adopt, amend and repeal bylaws, rules and regulations...”. It also provides for administration of public assistance programs. Section 9-8-1 et seq. NMSA 1978 establishes the HCA as a single, unified department to administer laws and exercise functions relating to health care facility licensure and health care purchasing and regulation.