Prescribed Drug Test Fees
- Government-owned laboratories may charge a fee of P200.00 per person.
- Private drug testing laboratories are authorized to charge a fee not exceeding P250.00 per person.
- Fees include the cost for initial screening as well as any necessary confirmatory tests.
Administrative Sanctions for Overcharging
- Laboratories charging fees above the prescribed amounts are subject to sanctions, contingent on existing rules and after due notice.
- For the first offense, the laboratory receives a reprimand.
- Upon a second offense, suspension of the laboratory's License to Operate will be enforced.
- A third offense leads to revocation of the License to Operate.
Effectivity of the Regulation
- The regulation becomes effective fifteen (15) days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation.
- It must also be registered with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) at the UP Law Center, Quezon City.
Legal Authority and Signatories
- The regulation is issued pursuant to the powers granted to the Dangerous Drugs Board under Section 81(b), Article IX of RA 9165.
- It reflects decisions made by the Board during its 68th meeting on February 13, 2004.
- The document bears the signatures of various ex-officio members and representatives from key government departments and non-government organizations involved in drug enforcement and policy.
Important Legal Concepts
- Accreditation by the Department of Health is mandatory for laboratories to impose the prescribed fees.
- Fee includes comprehensive testing (screening and confirmation).
- Sanctions for non-compliance signal strict regulatory oversight aimed at consumer protection and standardization in drug testing fees.
- The provision underscores government oversight in the private and public laboratory sector concerning drug testing costs and practices.