Section 702. Interim Powers of the Department.--(a) Between the effective date of this act and July 1, 1969, or until such time between said dates as the local authorities shall carry out the responsibilities imposed upon them by Article III, the department shall have the general power to do all things necessary to act for the State or in place of local authorities or their appointees in the designation of facilities and the furnishing of mental health and mental retardation services to the mentally disabled. ((a) amended June 28, 1968, P.L.280, No.135)
(b) In discharging its interim duties, the department may utilize either the provisions of this act or the provisions of the act of June 12, 1951 (P.L.533), known as "The Mental Health Act of 1951," whichever act provides the most convenient, or the least costly procedure.