In addition to the powers granted to the board elsewhere in this chapter, the board is authorized to act as necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, including, but not limited to, the following.

1.__Universal access.__The board shall establish and maintain a system of universal access to medical care for all residents, as required by this chapter.

2.__Administration.__The board shall:

A.__Solicit bids, negotiate contract terms and enter into contracts with the administrator as provided in section 9807;

B.__Ensure that the administrator administers the plan in consistency with the requirements of this chapter;

C.__Coordinate its activities with the activities of the administrator to ensure the most efficient and effective use of resources in meeting the requirements of this chapter;

D.__Develop a global budget and health resource plan as required in sections 9809 and 9810;

E.__Consistent with section 9804, determine the health services covered under the plan.__The board may implement cost containment strategies, including, but not limited to, managed care techniques and utilization review;

F.__Adopt quality assurance measures as required under section 9811 to monitor and improve the quality of health care delivered in the State;

G.__Consistent with section 9805, establish standards and procedures for determining eligibility and enrollment under the plan;

H.__Collect data consistent with the requirements of section 9812.__To the extent permitted by federal law, the board shall implement standardized claims and reporting methods;

I.__Employ an executive director to perform those duties delegated to the executive director by the board.__The executive director serves at the pleasure of the board.__The executive director may employ other staff as needed to administer the authority, subject to the personnel policies set by the board;