Expenditures in excess of permitted rates for services, supplies, assistance, care of other items of cost and costs greater than those necessary for the proper administration of public assistance and care or other activities, are not subject to reimbursement by the department. Rates will be established in accordance with the provisions of law where applicable and must be consistent with the standards and schedules applicable to other governmental services established by responsible authorities except when rules, regulations or policies of the department specify limits or methods of computation that require lower rates.