(a) The Commissioner is hereby authorized to refer patients outside the Virgin Islands for medical, surgical and other professional services, or bring in to the Virgin Islands specialists for professional and/or consultative services, when in his professional judgment such action is essential and conducive to the best interest of the patient through total care; Provided, however, That such services and/or facilities are not obtainable in the Department of Health.
(b) The expenses of transporting such patients from and to the Virgin Islands, and such specialists to and from the Virgin Islands, including cost of medical, surgical and other professional services, shall be paid by the Department of Health from the appropriation herein made available and/or any other appropriation available to the Department for such purposes. The expenses herein authorized shall include embalming and related expenses.