The secretary may allow the substitution of procedures or equipment for those outlined in these regulations, when such procedures or equipment have been demonstrated to be equivalent to those heretofore prescribed. When the secretary judges that such substitutions are justified, he shall grant permission for the substitution in writing. Requests for substitution shall be directed to the jurisdictional health officer who shall immediately forward them, including his recommendations, to the secretary. All decisions, substitutions, or interpretations shall be made a matter of public record and open to inspection.