(a)
The department may expend money in accordance with law for the actual and necessary travel expenses of officers and employees of the department who are authorized to absent themselves from the State of California on official business.
(b)
For the purposes of this section and of Sections 11030 and 11032 of the Government Code, the following constitutes, among other purposes, official business for officers and employees of the department for which these officers and employees shall be allowed actual and necessary traveling expenses when incurred either in or out of this state upon approval of the Governor and Director of Finance:
(1)
Attending meetings of any national or regional association or organization having as its principal purpose the study of matters relating to the care and treatment of mentally ill persons.
(2)
Conferring with officers or employees of the United States or other states, relative to problems of institutional care, treatment or management.
(3)
Obtaining information from organizations, associations, or persons described in paragraphs (1) and (2) which would be useful in the conduct of the activities of the State Department of State Hospitals.