Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to mean that the facilities and programs provided for in this chapter are to be under the direction or control of any person other than the board of directors appointed by the governing bodies, as provided in Section 22-51-8, as long as said board of directors complies with the minimum standards of construction, maintenance and operation adopted by the State Board of Health and the minimum standards and criteria established by the Alabama Department of Mental Health.
Ala. Code § 22-51-12 (1975)