The board of chosen freeholders of a county which has no county home and hospital for children afflicted with sickle cell anemia may appropriate not more than $10,000.00 each year for the necessary expense incident to the diagnosis and treatment of such children resident in the county under the age of 21 years, including the cost of surgical appliances, support and maintenance of such children, investigation of cases, and necessary traveling expenses incidental to the investigation and transportation of patients to a suitable home or hospital within the State supported by public funds or private charity; provided, however, that the board of chosen freeholders in a county of the first class having a population in excess of 800,000 may appropriate not more than $25,000.00 each year.
Before spending money for such purposes the board shall adopt such rules and regulations as it deems desirable concerning the requirements of residence and eligibility for such relief. Disbursements shall be made through officers designated by the board for that purpose on verified bills presented and approved as in the case of other county expenditures.
N.J.S. § 9:14B-1