Sec. 10.02.01.07. Setting of Charges for Laboratories Administration

A. The Laboratories Administration shall submit annually, to the Division, a cost report and proposed recommended Schedule of Charges, pursuant to instructions provided by the Division.

B. At least annually, the Secretary shall approve a Schedule of Charges recommended for each type of laboratory service which remains in effect until changed as provided in this chapter.

C. Charge for a Laboratory Service. A laboratory service charge shall be determined by:

(1) Calculating the total cost of a type of laboratory test which may include, but is not limited to, salary and fringe benefits of staff dedicated to the type of laboratory service, and reagents, supplies, and equipment used in the type of laboratory service;

(2) Calculating the total number of units of each type of laboratory test performed; and

(3) Dividing the total cost of a type of laboratory test, as determined in §C(1) of this regulation, by the total number of units of each laboratory service, as determined in §C(2) of this regulation.

D. Revisions and modifications to the approved Schedule of Charges for the Laboratories Administration shall be made when recommended by the Division, and approved by the Secretary, to reflect changes in cost estimates or the addition of new laboratory services.

E. The approved Schedule of Charges for the Laboratories Administration, with all revisions and modifications, shall be retained in the Office of the Secretary and also be posted prominently in the administrative offices of the Laboratories Administration.

F. Notwithstanding the procedure for determining a laboratory service charge set forth in §C of this regulation, the Secretary may adjust the Schedule of Charges if deemed to be in the best interest of public health.