(1) The commissioner may make such rules and regulations as may be deemed necessary to collect all or any part of the established cost of treatment from a patient, or from the person or persons legally liable for the patient's support, who may have income or estate sufficient to make reimbursement without materially affecting their economic support or obligations, or responsibilities to dependents.
(2) All funds collected pursuant to subdivision (a)(1) are to be treated as expendable receipts and are to be used for the operation of the hospitals.
(3) Any resident of Tennessee having or suspected of having tuberculosis, who is considered as acceptable for treatment by the commissioner, may be treated without cost when the person to receive care or treatment, or the person or persons legally responsible for the resident's support, is unable to pay, in whole or in part, the established cost of care and treatment.
(4) The department of human services may be requested to make field investigations.
(5) The department is empowered to enter into and execute contracts with other states or agencies for the reimbursement of the established cost for the care and treatment of persons who are acceptable for treatment by the commissioner.