Fees for service. A survey of Indiana and selected jurisdictions nationwide.
It is apparent from the economic realities we face today that in order to maintain substantial programs in the environmental health areas, additional sources of income are needed. The uncertainty of the effects of the Gramm-Rudman legislation, the extremely high cost of insurance, and the need for new environmental health programs indicate that the question is no longer whether it is necessary to establish fees for environmental services but rather what those fees should be. A survey was conducted of all 96 local health departments in the State of Indiana from November 15, 1985 to March 15, 1986. It was found that minimal fees or no fees are charged for environmental services. The rationale for the fees charged was based on factors other than the actual cost of the service performed. Further, a study of environmental fees charged for services in a select national survey in 1982, updated by use of the Consumer Price Index for 1986, indicates that Fees for Service and the rationale for the fees vary widely. The philosophy behind a fee for service program, the potential benefits, the potential problems, the techniques for determining fees for service and the use of public funds are discussed. Appropriate recommendations are made concerning the institution of a Fee for Service Program.
D003625:Data Collection; D004782:Environmental Health; D005249:Fees and Charges; D007196:Indiana; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000191:economics*; D014481:United States