The Department may not frustrate this legislative intent by adopting an inconsistent regulation. See Lumadue v. Department of Public Welfare, 37 Pa. Commw. 428, 391 A.2d 22 (1978). Moreover, while the qualifying language " [r]ates established by the department" gives the Department power to determine the reasonable amount to be paid for the services, it does not permit the Department to deny payment by failing to fix a rate.