The Commissioner shall have supervision and management of the Vermont State Health Laboratory. The Commissioner may provide for approval and registration of laboratories performing examinations or tests of a public health nature. Any laboratory that examines material for any living agent or evidence of living agent of a reportable disease to any person shall immediately send the results of such tests, if positive, to the State Health Laboratory. The laboratory shall make chemical and bacteriological examination of water supplies, milk, and food products and examinations for the detection and control of communicable diseases and shall carry on such work in relation to the health of the residents of the State as the Commissioner shall direct.
18 V.S.A. § 501