(a) The Department shall make social, medical, psychological and other appropriate studies and investigations of persons committed to its care for the purpose of rehabilitation of said persons. At the request of any sentencing court, the Department shall, to the extent possible, receive for study and report to the court concerning any person who has been convicted, is before the court for sentencing and is subject to commitment to the Department.
(b) The Department shall take steps to ensure that infectious diseases are not disseminated among the persons committed to the Department’s care and staff. In performing the function, the Department is empowered to review medical histories, to complete medical histories, to complete appropriate medical examinations, to perform laboratory tests as are deemed appropriate, and to begin a course of treatment on persons committed to its care.