Live pathogenic microorganisms or viruses; handling; registration required; exceptions

§ 3200. Live pathogenic microorganisms or viruses; handling; registration required; exceptions. 1. No person other than a licensed practitioner of medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine or a person under the direct supervision of a licensed practitioner of medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine shall possess or cultivate live pathogenic microorganisms or viruses other than vaccine virus

(a) unless he has satisfied the commissioner, or, in the city of New York, the department of health of the city of New York, that such microorganisms or viruses in his possession will not become a menace to the public health, and,

(b) unless a registration number shall have been issued to him or his employer within the preceding twelve months by the commissioner, or in the city of New York, by the department of health of the city of New York, or their authorized representatives.

2. (a) Where one or more persons work with such microorganisms or viruses, application for the registration number required by the provisions of this section shall be made by the person in charge of the work in connection with which such microorganisms or viruses are handled.

(b) If such person in charge is not a licensed practitioner of medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine, before a registration number is issued, he must first satisfy the commissioner, or in the city of New York, the department of health of the city of New York, that such microorganisms or viruses will not become a menace to the public health.

3. (a) If the same person remains in charge of the work, the registration number shall be valid through April thirtieth of each year and may be renewed upon application prior to its expiration.

(b) The registration number becomes invalid if a change is made in the person in charge of the work or the work is conducted at a different address, in which case a new application must be made.

4. A registration fee of one dollar shall be charged to cover the cost of issuing the registration number.

5. The provisions of this section shall not apply to laboratories maintained by the federal, state or municipal government.

6. The commissioner, or in the city of New York, the department of health of the city of New York, is authorized to rescind such registration number at any time for a cause.