The board of health shall prescribe rules and regulations specifying to what extent and on what terms and conditions needy cancer patients may receive financial aid for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in any approved hospital in this state. The director is authorized to furnish aid, within the limits of available funds, to such patients and shall have the power to administer such aid in any manner which in his judgment will afford the greatest benefit to cancer patients throughout the state.
In determining whether a particular patient is entitled to such assistance the director may call upon the department of welfare for such investigation as may be required. In order to receive such aid, however, the patient need not qualify for public assistance as administered by the department of welfare.