(a)      The State Director is hereby authorized and empowered, subject to the authority of the Secretary of the Department of Human Resources as set forth in Article 41 of this Code, or elsewhere in the laws of Maryland, to adopt from time to time such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out any of the duties imposed upon him by law, and when adopted, and after approval or revision thereof by the Secretary of the Department of Human Resources, such rules and regulations shall have the force and effect of law. The Director shall likewise adopt rules and regulations covering the custody, use and preservation of the records, papers, files and communications of the State Administration and local departments concerning applicants and recipients of social services and public assistance. The use of such records, papers, files and communications by any other agency or department of government to which they may be furnished shall be limited to the purposes for which they are furnished.

      (b)      All rules, regulations, or directives implemented by the Director which are based on federal public law, rules, regulations, or guidelines shall have the federal material referenced in the text of the State material or attached permanently to the State material. The Department of Human Resources shall furnish to each of its local offices at least one up-to-date copy of all current federal regulations applicable to the operations of the local office.