(a) The Department of Human Resources shall provide assistance to county boards of health in developing a full range of community services for the mentally retarded through consultation and provision of standards. The department shall assist county boards of health in obtaining federal funds where such resources are available and shall finance 100 percent of all operating costs not borne by federal funds.

(b) Should a county board of health fail to take the necessary action to provide approved community services for mentally retarded individuals, the department shall be empowered to establish and operate such services in lieu of operation by such county board of health.