N.J. Admin. Code § 8:52-7A.2

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 8:52-7A.2 - Environmental health services

(a) Each local health agency shall provide a comprehensive environmental health program that is developed and overseen by a Registered Environmental Health Specialist.

(b) Each local health agency shall provide an environmental health program that is developed in accordance with the State Sanitary Code and other various codes and regulations as applicable. The local health agency, through the activities of a licensed Registered Environmental Health Specialist(s), shall assure compliance with said regulations.

(c) A Registered Environmental Health Specialist shall be responsible for the performance of all environmental health activities specified at 8:52-3.3(a)3.

(d) Each local health agency shall ensure that environmental health services provide the core public health functions and the delivery of the "10 essential health services" at 8:52-3.2(a)1 through 10. These services shall be developed and overseen by a licensed Registered Environmental Health Specialist and shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Assessing environmental health risks to and influences on humans and the environment;

2. Utilizing discrete data and epidemiological methods, as applicable, to determine the etiology of, and recommend corrective actions for, diseases spread through humans, animals and the environmental media of air, soil, water and food;

3. Providing professional and technical support to local, State and Federal agencies on matters within their expertise;

4. Developing and implementing a proactive environmental health program in an effort to preclude health threats to the public;

5. Reviewing plans for residential, commercial, and industrial development as necessary to ensure health and safety code compliance;

6. Collection of water, food and other specimens as needed for laboratory analysis, and interpretation of the results of same;

7. Planning and performing routine and emergency environmental health inspections and investigations to ensure operator or owner conformance with established regulations;

8. Maintaining, updating and analyzing environmental health records, inspection findings and other data to ensure proper documentation and continuity of environmental health protection;

9. Preparing reports and findings as witness to environmental health violations in court cases and hearings;

10. Advocating for local and State policy that protects the public's health and safety;

11. Reviewing new environmental health policy and implementing the requirements of new policies as necessary;

12. Educating and communicating environmental risks to the public, media, and other interested parties;

13. Assisting the public, local health agency personnel and other officials with recommendations and resources on various environmental health matters per code requirements and suitable abatement practices;

14. Investigating foodborne, airborne, waterborne and other suspected disease outbreaks as required; and

15. Maintaining the most current knowledge of environmental health technologies, information systems and technical advancements in the field.

(e) Each local health agency shall ensure the coordination of environmental health services that are delivered by all agencies in their jurisdiction as described in the Community Health Improvement Plan. This objective shall be met in an effort to identify gaps, reduce duplication and assure continuity of environmental health services.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:52-7A.2