KRS 199.420: Administrative functions of secretary -- Personnel -- Compensation and

other benefits -- Administrative costs.

(1) The secretary may promulgate administrative regulations authorized by statute for

the proper administration of the functions of the cabi net, including qualification for

the receipt of federal funds and for cooperation with other state and federal

agencies.

(2) In the administration of KRS 199.420 to 199.670, the secretary shall cooperate to

the fullest extent possible with any agency of th is state or any other state of the

United States.

(3) The secretary is authorized, subject to the provisions of KRS Chapters 12, 18A, 42,

45, and 64, to appoint, fix the compensation, and prescribe the duties and powers of

any officers and employees as are necessary in the performance of the secretary's

duties under KRS 199.420 to 199.670. All positions shall be filled by persons

selected and appointed on a nonpartisan merit basis, in accordance with merit

standards established by law. The secretary shall not employ or pay any person who

is an officer or committee member of any political party organization. The secretary

may delegate to any person so appointed that power and authority as the secretary

deems reasonable and proper for the effective administrat ion of KRS 199.420 to

199.670.

(4) The secretary shall have the power and authority to elect coverage for the workers in

the cabinet, under the provisions of KRS Chapter 341, and may elect coverage for

these workers under the workers' compensation law of t his state. In the event the

coverage is elected the payment of contributions under KRS Chapter 341 and

premiums under the workers' compensation law shall be deemed a proper cost of

administration.

(5) The salaries and expenses of the secretary and the secr etary's staff shall be

considered a proper cost of administration and charged to the funds allocated to the

Cabinet for Health and Family Services.