Tuberculosis; removal of patients to another state or country; costs

§ 2204. Tuberculosis; removal of patients to another state or country; costs. 1. When any state charge, as defined in this article, who has not acquired state residence has settlement or residence or otherwise belongs to or in any other state or country, has legally responsible relatives or friends willing to undertake the obligations to support him or to aid in supporting him in such other state or country, the department may furnish him with transportation to such state or country, provided, in the judgment of the commissioner the interest of the state and the welfare of such person will be promoted thereby.

2. The commissioner shall designate or employ nurses or attendants to accompany such persons being removed out of the state unless it appears that such persons are in suitable condition to travel alone with safety.

3. The expense of such removal shall be paid from the state treasury on the audit and warrant of the comptroller pursuant to a verified account submitted by the department, and the commissioner shall thereupon seek reimbursement for such expense from the state or country of residence.