It follows a number of incidents where patients who have full medical cards were charged for blood tests.
The HSE says that under the General Medical Services contract that GP's “shall not demand or accept payment for the taking of blood when assisting the process of diagnosing the patients or monitoring a diagnosed condition.”
It has now written to GP's to verify the position and says that it will investigate any reports that patients have been charged.
Killenaule Labour Councillor Michael Cleere says that the issue has caused huge concern.
