A.__The agency may employ necessary staff to administer this chapter, subject to the Civil Service Law.

B.__The agency may enter into contracts with qualified 3rd parties for any service necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

C. The agency may solicit, receive and accept gifts, grants, payments and other funds and advances from any person and enter into agreements with respect to those grants, gifts, payments and other funds and advances, including agreements that involve the undertaking of studies, plans, demonstrations and projects.__The agency may charge and retain fees to recover the reasonable costs incurred in reproducing and distributing reports, studies and other publications and in responding to requests for information.

D. The agency may borrow any necessary funds to support initial operating expenses in administering this chapter.

E. The agency may conduct studies and analyses related to the provision of health care, health care costs and matters the agency considers appropriate.

F.__The agency may establish a financial relationship directly with producers licensed pursuant to chapter 16 to market and service health coverage offered through the agency.

4.__Rulemaking.__The agency may adopt, amend and repeal rules as necessary for the proper administration and enforcement of this chapter, subject to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act.__Rules adopted pursuant to this chapter are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.

5.__Funding.__The agency shall determine the level of funding required to carry out the purposes of this chapter.__ The agency shall submit biennially to the Legislature for approval a proposed budget with levels of adequate premiums and assessments and taxes under Title 36, section 4365.__ Funding for the agency budget approved by the Legislature is paid from the fund.

6. Technical assistance from bureau. The agency shall coordinate its activities to the extent possible with the bureau.