In the event a state inmate, as defined in this article, participating in a community punishment and corrections program develops a medical condition which, in the opinion of a physician licensed to practice medicine in this state, would require treatment, the cost for which would exceed $2,000.00, such inmate shall be transferred within three days to the custody of the department and shall receive treatment as other state inmates.
Ala. Code § 15-18-185 (1975)