Whenever any board of visitors to any of the institutions of the Commonwealth deem it necessary or expedient to investigate the management of their institution or the conduct of any of its officers or employees, such board, or a committee of its members selected by the board, shall have such power and authority to send for persons and papers or to order the attendance of witnesses and compel their attendance as is now conferred upon a committee appointed by the General Assembly or either branch thereof by § 30-10. The oath to be taken by any witness examined by such board or committee may be administered by the president or the presiding officer of the board, chairman of its committee, or the clerk or secretary of the board or committee. All expenses incurred in summoning or in the attendance of such witness shall be paid out of the funds of the institution whose boards made or ordered the investigation.