(a) The commissioner shall be responsible for planning state-wide programs for the control and treatment of lung diseases; the treatment of persons affected with other chronic illness, and the medical rehabilitation of persons who are chronically ill and persons with disabilities. The commissioner may provide and maintain facilities and personnel for the diagnosis or detection and treatment of such diseases or enter into contracts for the provision of diagnostic and treatment programs for such diseases with persons or organizations capable in the commissioner’s judgment of providing such services.

(b) The commissioner shall be responsible for the administration of the department’s programs as they relate to lung disease, other chronic illness and medical rehabilitation.