Mo. Rev. Stat. § 217.020: Department's powers and duties.

The department shall:

(1) Supervise and control programs assigned to it and any of its divisions by the general assembly;

(2) Have the authority to sue and be sued;

(3) Advise, consult and cooperate with other state agencies, local governmental units, private entities, other states and interstate and interlocal agencies in developing and implementing programs to fulfill the department's responsibilities.