HF2464

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to update and modify the standards and requirements for the accreditation of environmental laboratories in Minnesota. Specifically, it addresses exemptions from national standards for personnel requirements, quality control, and proficiency testing frequency.

Main Provisions

• Exemptions from National Standards: Laboratories analyzing samples under specific permits may request exemptions from certain national standards. These involve personnel qualifications and quality control provisions in microbiology and chemistry.
• Methodology Compliance: To qualify for these exemptions, laboratories must comply with methodologies and quality control protocols outlined in the most recent edition of the "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater."
• Proficiency Testing: Laboratories that are exempt must participate in proficiency testing. They need to pass at least one of two scheduled annual proficiency testing studies.
  • If a laboratory fails the first study, it must analyze an additional sample within 15 days and participate in the second scheduled study.
  • Failing to submit results or failing two consecutive tests will lead to the revocation of accreditation for those specific testing fields.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill allows environmental laboratories to seek exemptions from following national standards in specific cases, provided they adhere to alternative recognized methods and pass designated proficiency tests.
• It establishes new requirements for laboratories to maintain accreditation, including potential revocation if proficiency tests are not passed or completed.
• The bill authorizes the collection of additional costs from laboratories to cover the administration of these new provisions.

Relevant Terms

• Accreditation
• Environmental Laboratories
• National Standards
• Proficiency Testing
• Quality Control
• Water and Wastewater Examination