4. All contracts, agreements and compacts of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services as they pertain to the duties set forth in this Act in effect on the effective date of this Act remain in effect until they expire or are altered by the parties involved in the contracts or agreements. The Department of Health and Human Services is the successor agency for all federal block grants and programs administered under the United States Social Security Act, as amended, and any other federal programs, grants and contracts.

5. All records of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services as they pertain to the duties set forth in this Act must be transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services as necessary to implement this Act.

6. All property and equipment of any bureau, division or program of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services pertaining to the duties set forth in this Act are transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services as necessary to implement this Act.

7. Notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 22-A, section 204 or any other provision of law, upon the effective date of this Act, the individual holding the position of Commissioner of Human Services becomes the Commissioner of Health and Human Services without the need of appointment or confirmation. The Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall assume and is vested with all of the duties and powers of that office, as well as the duties and powers of the predecessors of that office, including the office of the Commissioner of Human Services and the office of the Commissioner of Behavioral and Developmental Services.

8. Employees of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Behavioral and Developmental Services who are transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services pursuant to this Act retain those positions from which they are transferred and retain all their employee rights, privileges and benefits, including sick leave, vacation and seniority, provided under the Civil Service Law or collective bargaining agreements. The Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Human Resources shall provide assistance to the affected