The state health officer or designee is responsible for the inpatient and outpatient care of persons afflicted or suspected of being afflicted with tuberculosis. If the state health officer determines that suspected or actual tuberculous patients may be adequately cared for on an inpatient basis by contract with general hospitals or other appropriate facilities, authority for contracting with such facilities is granted to the department of health and human services. In addition, the department of health and human services is authorized to establish and maintain the necessary outpatient clinics for diagnostic workup and evaluation on all suspected or actual tuberculous patients in the state. The department of health and human services shall pay the contract fee to general hospitals or other appropriate facilities and provide funds to the outpatient evaluation clinics from funds to be appropriated for this purpose by the legislative assembly. The state’s claim on patient benefits as provided in section 23-07.1-03 applies insofar as applicable to tuberculous patients in general hospitals and for services rendered in outpatient clinics. The state health officer or a designee has the power to:

1.    Do any act necessary and proper in the performance of the functions imposed upon the state health officer by the provisions of this chapter.

2.    Issue orders and compel obedience thereto.

3.    Administer oaths.