37-1-121. Duties of commissioner. In addition to the powers and duties under 2-15-112 and 2-15-121, the commissioner of labor and industry shall:
(1) at the request of a party, appoint an impartial hearings examiner to conduct hearings whenever any board or department program holds a contested case hearing. The hearings examiner shall conduct hearings in a proper and legal manner.
(2) establish the qualifications of and hire all personnel to perform the administrative, legal, and clerical functions of the department for the boards. Boards within the department do not have authority to establish the qualifications of, hire, or terminate personnel. The department shall consult with the boards regarding recommendations for qualifications for executive or executive director positions.
(3) approve all contracts and expenditures by boards within the department. A board within the department may not enter into a contract or expend funds without the approval of the commissioner.