§565. Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory

The Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory is established within the department for the chemical and microbiological testing and examination of water supplies, food products, drinking water, environmental and forensic samples and the testing and examination of cases and suspected cases of infectious and communicable diseases.   [PL 1991, c. 499, §2 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 499, §26 (AFF).]

1.  Coordination with the Department of Environmental Protection.  In coordination with the Department of Environmental Protection, the department shall also provide laboratory services for environmental testing and analysis as necessary to implement the programs and duties of the Department of Environmental Protection, pursuant to Title 38, section 342, subsection 4. The commissioner and the Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall enter into joint agreements and establish joint policies as necessary to ensure the provision of appropriate laboratory services.

[PL 1991, c. 499, §2 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 499, §26 (AFF).]

2.  Director; duties.  The Director of the Bureau of Health shall appoint a Director of the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory, subject to the Civil Service Law and in this chapter known as the "laboratory director." The laboratory director or a designated chief of laboratory operations shall administer the laboratory to safeguard the public health and environment.

[PL 1999, c. 62, §1 (AMD).]

3.  Fees for services.  The department shall establish by rule a schedule of charges for services rendered by the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory based on the average costs for those services. The department shall establish services essential to the public health. These services must be provided free to residents of the State.

[PL 1991, c. 499, §2 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 499, §26 (AFF).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1991, c. 499, §2 (NEW). PL 1991, c. 499, §26 (AFF). PL 1999, c. 62, §1 (AMD).