In administering this Chapter, the Department of Public Health and Social Services shall, in addition to powers otherwise conferred upon it, have power to:
(a) Develop, issue, amend and revise standards, rules and regulations which shall implement this Chapter and shall have the force of law;

(b) Provide by rules and regulations standards of competence and suitability of administrators of nursing homes, in accordance with the provision of P.L. 11-26;

(c) Make studies and investigations of nursing home conditions and problems generally, and as they relate to compliance with the provisions of this Chapter and standards, rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto;

(d) Develop manuals and guides relating to any of the several aspects of physical facilities and operation of nursing homes and make such manuals and guides available, with or without charge, to the owners and administrators of nursing homes and to the general public;
(e) Consult with and otherwise assist owners and administrators of nursing homes for the purpose of facilitating improvements to the extent and quality of care available therein;
(f) Investigate conditions in and the operation of any nursing home and the status and qualifications of any personnel employed thereby or otherwise engaged in the operation thereof; and
(g) Conduct hearings in aid of any of its functions pursuant to this Chapter; require the production of evidence in connection with any such hearing or any investigation validly conducted pursuant to this Chapter, and take written or oral testimony under oath, or otherwise.

SOURCE: GC § 9955.7.