(a) The executive commissioner is responsible for supervising the administration of the welfare functions authorized in this title.
(b) The commission shall administer medical assistance to needy persons and financial and medical assistance to families with dependent children.

(b-1) The executive commissioner shall supervise general relief services.
(c) The commission shall assist other governmental agencies in performing services in conformity with the purposes of this title when so requested and shall cooperate with the agencies when expedient.
(d) The commission shall conduct research and compile statistics on public welfare programs in the state. The research must include all phases of dependency and delinquency and related problems. The commission shall cooperate with other public and private agencies in developing plans for the prevention and treatment of conditions giving rise to public welfare problems.