NC S616

Establishes a new "Registered Environmental Health Associate" certification under the Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners for public health professionals with specialized training who report directly to registered environmental health specialists.

Environmental health associates must have an associate, bachelor's, or postgraduate degree with either accreditation by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) or a minimum of 15 semester hours in physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences, plus completed environmental health training.

Associates may perform inspections and permitting for private water wells, Category I food establishments, lodging facilities, Type II and Type III on-site wastewater systems, migrant housing, schools, confinement facilities, and residential care facilities under Commission for Public Health rules.

Application fee is limited to $100.00 and applicants must demonstrate good moral and ethical character and sign an agreement to adhere to the Board's Code of Ethics.

Most provisions are effective when the bill becomes law, with Section 1 (definitional changes) becoming effective May 1, 2024.