The governing body of a county may appropriate not more than $5,000.00 each year to promote public awareness among prospective parents as to the necessity of testing for Cooley’s anemia, to establish a referral service whereby such individuals can be tested for the existence of this disease, and, in the case of a county which has no county home or hospital suitable for the treatment of said disease, for any expenses incidental to the diagnosis and treatment of children afflicted with Cooley’s anemia; provided, however, that the governing body of a county of the first class having a population in excess of 800,000 may appropriate not more than $10,000.00 each year.

Before spending money for such purposes the governing body 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.

L.1975, c. 393, s. 1, eff. March 3, 1976. Amended by L.1978, c. 142, s. 1, eff. Nov. 13, 1978.