The department, subject to the approval of the Attorney General, is hereby authorized to enter into reciprocal agreements with corresponding state agencies of other states regarding the interstate transportation or transfer of persons with mental illness or defect and to arrange with the proper officials in this State for the acceptance, transfer, and support of persons who are residents of this State but who are temporarily detained or who are receiving psychiatric or mental care in public institutions of other states in accordance with the terms of such agreements.
62 P.S. § 1131