Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, § 184

In order to better preserve public health and secure greater accuracy in the diagnosis of communicable diseases, county commissioners may establish and maintain bacteriological laboratories, or provide such laboratory facilities for their respective counties as they deem advantageous, and may expend necessary sums therefor. No expenditures shall be made under this section until the laboratories or the laboratory facilities established or provided in accordance herewith have been inspected and approved by the department.