2015 Mississippi Code
Title 57 - PLANNING, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Chapter 21 - STATE CHEMICAL LABORATORY
§ 57-21-11 - Organization

The laboratory shall be organized as necessary to properly conduct the program responsibilities and purposes outlined generally in Section 57-21-9 and specifically stated in various state laws. A minimum of four (4) divisions as described below is authorized; extra major divisions needed to organize the laboratory work may be established by the State Chemist.

(a) Chemical Regulatory Division -- This division shall carry out regulatory control programs in food, animal feeds, fertilizers, economic poisons, paints and varnishes, and similar programs legally authorized.

(b) Petroleum Products Division -- This division shall conduct testing on petroleum and related products. Any person desiring testing of petroleum and related products shall pay to the State Chemist the actual cost of such testing.

(c) Industrial and Agricultural Services Division -- This division shall provide applied scientific and engineering consultation to industries and individuals residing in or doing business in the state. Such services might include, among other things, chemical or physical analyses, nondestructive or destructive physical testing, bacteriological examinations and tests, on-site examinations of problems, sampling and limited quality control analyses, research, or other activities related to the improvement of processes, products, or raw materials. Such analyses or examinations will be directed towards solutions of problems of state industries, farmers, or citizens. The laboratory may charge for its services at established prices or may negotiate with the client for a service, consultation, or research contract at terms agreeable to the client and the State Chemist.

The guiding principle in such services shall be that they contribute to the economic growth and development of Mississippi or to the welfare of its citizens, and that major projects shall be self-supporting but nonprofit.

This division may perform such services using its own resources, or it may arrange for additional technical aid, consultation by other university faculty members, and use of facilities, services, or equipment of other university departments on a reimbursement basis. Any such arrangement shall always be established with the approval of the university administration.

Agricultural analyses for individual citizens may be charged on a cost basis. Fees for services shall be established by regulations by the State Chemist.

Services may be provided to other state agencies on an equivalent-cost exchange basis. The agency shall be invoiced for the cost of services as negotiated between the laboratory and the agency. Any special equipment required to conduct such services shall be a part of the assessed charge.

All such services of this division may be made available to any state agency, firm, or individual only as far as personnel, funds, and equipment permit. The division reserves the right to refuse any services which interfere with other functions of the laboratory or which may generate a conflict of interest.

(d) Research Division -- This division shall conduct self-supported, grant, or contract research. This research is directed toward problem solving, having immediate or potential influence on the economic growth and promotion of agriculture or industry in Mississippi, or improvement of the laboratory's analytical capabilities in support of its current or anticipated future regulatory functions. The division is authorized to apply for, negotiate for payment, and conduct research on grants or contracts from federal and state agencies, industrial firms, and individuals or groups of individuals.