A county may select one or more providers of health care services. The county may require eligible county residents to obtain care from a mandated provider except:

1. (1) in an emergency;
2. (2) when medically inappropriate; or
3. (3) when care is not available.

Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.