Section 17D. The commission shall provide to any active or retired employee of the commonwealth who is insured under the group insurance commission coverage for a bone marrow transplant for persons who have been diagnosed with breast cancer that has progressed to metastatic disease; provided, however, that said person shall meet the criteria established by the department of public health. The department of public health shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing criteria for eligibility for coverage hereunder which shall be consistent with medical research protocols reviewed and approved by the National Cancer Institute.