§ 2796. Special programs with respect to diabetes. The commissioner shall establish within the department a program to promote research and patient education regarding diabetes. To carry out the purposes of this section, the commissioner shall have the following powers and duties:

1. to promote scientific investigations with respect to the causes, prevention and treatment of diabetes;

2. to promote patient education programs designed to reduce or prevent the incidence and severity of diabetes;

3. to accept and expend any grants, awards or other funds or appropriations as may be available for these purposes subject to limitations as to the approval of expenditures and audit as prescribed for state funds by the state finance law; and

4. to enter into contracts within the amounts available therefor as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this section.