INTRODUCTION.

Public health laboratory directors from the various  California local health jurisdictions meet annually at a five-day institute with State sponsorship. The State of California provides sponsorship because  health is a vital State concern and local jurisdictions carry out policy and Implement State Health Laws on the local level. These annual institutes inform public health laboratory directors of advancements in public health laboratory science developments including improved methods for tests of QA many on  training and how to implement new regulations.

At the May l993 Institute it was decided to put  together a paper which would help define the local public health laboratory,  its functions and significance. This paper was to be made available to all public health laboratories in the State for whatever uses the local  jurisdiction and the director desire.

An ad hoc committee was established to produce this  report. This paper covers: The history of the public health laboratory in California from the first State Board of Health Ruling. The State legislative  actions which define the laboratory and its functions. The significance of standardized data generated by public health laboratories. Comments on public health laboratory cost factors. Conclusions Information Sources
It is the  hope of this committee that this discussion will provide a bulwark for  effectively responding to specific local issues, problems, charges and  challenges that the California State System of Local Public Health  Laboratories faces. It is also designed to provide justification for maintaining local public health laboratories in the 21st Century