(a) In order for any employee of any state institution, agency, or department to be eligible to receive compensation under Code Section 31-29-1, he shall undergo a physical examination at the beginning of or during the course of his employment, which examination must show that he is free of tuberculosis or infectious hepatitis at the time of physical examination.

(b) All physical examinations conducted pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall be provided free of charge by the institution, agency, or department employing the person.