Kootenai County approves MOU with Avertest to continue lab testing for juvenile probation; state funds to pay for tests

Kootenai County commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with Avertest LLC (doing business as Aver Health) to provide laboratory drug testing services for the juvenile probation program.

Director Brian Alexander said the county previously used Absolute Drug Testing, but the vendor is no longer accepting state SUD (substance use disorder) funding. "Due to rising costs they are no longer accepting that state funds. So that is why we're transitioning to Aver Health...this will not use any county funds to send the juveniles to Avertest — just the SUD state funding," Alexander said.

County legal reviewed the MOU, the director said, and the board approved the agreement unanimously.

No cost to the county was reported in the meeting; Alexander said the program will continue to use the state-provided SUD funds for testing. The board recorded unanimous approval and no public comment was offered on the item.