The coroner of the Parish of Orleans, as ex officio city physician shall exercise general supervision over the sanitary conditions of all houses of detention and the parish prison in Orleans Parish. He shall have the authority to thoroughly inspect these institutions as often as he deems necessary and to report to the city council of New Orleans any recommendations for improvements and alterations in these institutions which will improve the sanitary condition thereof and secure the health of the inmates and prisoners.
La. R.S. § 13:5731