§ 64. Separation of social services from eligibility and assistance payments functions. Notwithstanding any provision of law, rule or regulation every social services district shall be organized to effect a separation of social services from eligibility and assistance payments functions as follows:

1. The commissioner shall issue within ten days of the effective date hereof, guidelines to the social services districts of the state outlining the principles and purposes to be attained in the separation of social services from the functions of eligibility and assistance payments, and defining the content of services which may be included under the term "social services" and of the functions associated with eligibility and assistance payments.

2. Each social services district shall submit to the commissioner by July first, nineteen hundred seventy-one, its own plan for separation, together with its timetable for implementation of the plan.

3. Upon finding that the plan conforms to the applicable minimum federal requirements, the commissioner shall approve such plan.

4. Each social services district shall submit to the commissioner, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations, modifications of its approved plan for separation of social services from eligibility and assistance payments functions. Each social services district shall prepare, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations, for the effective operation of such approved plan as so modified.