The State Department of Institutions is hereby authorized to create and establish and to operate and maintain a diagnostic and treatment center, which may consist of one or more branches and which shall undertake medical, educational, psychiatric and social studies of persons committed to facilities under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Institutions. The department also may provide for the training of psychiatrists, neurologists, special educators, psychologists, nurses, technicians, social workers, occupational therapists, physicians and other professional trainees whose services shall be utilized in the operation of said center.
La. R.S. § 15:894