It is the intent of the Legislature in adopting this article to safeguard the health, safety, and general welfare of the public by the registration of those environmental health professionals practicing as environmental health specialists who have completed an approved environmental health or science curriculum and who are qualified to work, or are working, within the scope of the field of environmental health as defined by this article.

In adopting this article, it is recognized that the field of environmental health is a dynamic field that is continually evolving into new and complex areas of concern. This article recognizes the existence of overlapping functions with other professions carrying out specific activities that may include some aspects of the field of environmental health. The title of a person registered under this article shall be environmental health specialist. Use of the term “sanitarian” or “registered sanitarian” in statutes and regulations shall mean “registered environmental health specialists.” A valid registered sanitarian registration shall on January 1, 1989, be a valid registration as an environmental health specialist. The department shall provide a new certificate of registration to that effect.

(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 415, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1996.)