Employees of the State Department of Social Services or the State Department of Health Services who are engaged in the administration of public social services are authorized (1) to attend courses of training provided by institutions of higher learning, (2) to attend special courses of study or seminars of short duration conducted by experts on a temporary basis for the purpose, (3) to accept fellowships or traineeships at institutions of higher learning with such stipends as are permitted by regulations of the federal government.

Any leave of absence granted to any employee of these departments, as authorized by this section, shall be subject to the approval of the State Personnel Board.