AGO Opinion Topics: DEPARTMENT INSTITUTIONS

1. Chapter 75, Laws of 1965, authorizes the state of Washington to participate in the programs set forth in the "Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963." 2. The designation by the governor of the department of institutions "as the sole agency for administration of the state plan and as the mental health and mental retardation construction authority" is in conformity with chapter 75, Laws of 1965, and thereby vests the department of institutions with authority to conduct and perform on behalf of the state of Washington the programs set forth in the "Mental Retardation Facilities and Community Mental Health Centers Construction Act of 1963." 3. The governor has the authority under chapter 75, Laws of 1965, to direct the mental retardation and mental health advisory council to "advise the department of institutions directly on matters relating to mental health and mental retardation construction," in accordance with § 2684 (3), Title 42, U.S.C.A.