The State Board of Health, at its option, may authorize regional contract tuberculosis hospitals to admit indigent patients afflicted with chronic lung diseases other than tuberculosis. Costs for the care and treatment of indigent patients afflicted with chronic lung diseases other than tuberculosis who are treated in regional tuberculosis hospitals under the provisions of this article shall be paid in the same manner and from the same funds that the costs for care and treatment of indigent tuberculosis patients are paid.
Ala. Code § 22-11A-11 (1975)