The statutory requirements are repeated and referenced in Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR), specifically OAR 338-010-0015 (3)(c) Registration Pathway 3(B).

McMillan explains that because the requirement is in statute, it would take legislative action to change.

"What sometimes confuses applicants is that the 45 quarter hours in science courses apply only to Pathway A, which is required for applicants with a bachelor's degree, not a master's degree," says McMillan.

Board members voiced concern that as the statute stands, it could be an unnecessary barrier to applicants who may not have advanced degrees in public or community health but who have obtained degrees in more specific areas of expertise that could be considered appropriate for work in the environmental health field, such as food science.

While it's too late for the board to pursue any changes to the statute in this year's session of the Oregon State Legislature, which officially convenes on February 4, McMillian says that the state association or other professional groups could do so.

"We're definitely willing to work with our stakeholder groups to assist them with the legislative process, but the window has passed for the agency to propose such legislation at this time," McMillan says.

A statewide task force is considering a recommendation to
allow lower-level environmental health professionals to perform limited duties in the Department of Environmental Quality's Onsite Septic System Program.

OHLA Policy Analyst Randy Harnisch reported to the board at its November 2 meeting that the Government Efficiency Taskforce Natural Resources Subcommittee may propose legislation to allow environmental health technicians, who are not regulated by the State of Oregon, to perform less-technical work in reviewing onsite septic systems, such as pre-cover inspections and authorization notices.

At issue:  whether or not there are enough registered environmental health specialists and waste water specialists to perform the work, much of which is in rural areas without registered professionals.  Board 2012 Vice-Chair Holly Skogley also voiced concern over whether or not lower-level professionals would be able to see the "bigger picture," potentially having an adverse effect on inspection results.

The board further discussed the issues involved in the proposal during its January 11, 2013, meeting, including the legislative concept related to the proposal, Legislative Concept 1833.

Harnisch stated that OHLA would be following any related legislation on the issue and report back to the board.  Harnisch stressed that OHLA and the board would remain neutral on any legislation that is brought forward by the Oregon Legislature.  However, the agency would provide the Legislature with feedback on issues related to how to implement any new program.