AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The bill aims to modify the existing accreditation provisions for environmental laboratories in Minnesota. It focuses on updating the quality control and proficiency testing requirements for these laboratories, especially those seeking exemptions from national standards.
Main Provisions
- Exemption from National Standards: Laboratories analyzing samples for compliance with specific state permits can request exemption from national quality control and personnel standards, if they adhere to methodologies and quality controls outlined in the "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater" published by the Water Environment Federation.
- Alternative Personnel Requirements: Laboratories seeking exemptions must provide details of personnel who meet specified standards, either from state law or national standards.
- Exemption from Proficiency Testing Frequency Requirements: Laboratories exempt from national standards must still achieve acceptable results from proficiency testing. They must participate in at least one of the two annual proficiency testing studies and obtain satisfactory test outcomes.
- Proficiency Testing Protocols: If a laboratory fails the first testing attempt, it must:
- Analyze a supplemental test sample within 15 days.
- Take part in the second scheduled annual proficiency test.
Significant Changes
- The bill removes simultaneous accreditation under national standards for laboratories seeking the described exemption.
- It introduces stricter follow-up measures for laboratories that fail initial proficiency tests, including immediate additional testing and possible revocation of accreditation for consistent failure.
- The commissioner is authorized to require more frequent proficiency tests if a laboratory is suspected of not meeting required standards.
- Laboratories benefiting from exemptions may incur additional costs to cover the administration of the revised accreditation process.
Relevant Terms
environmental laboratories, accreditation, exemption, national standards, quality control, proficiency testing, Water Environment Federation, Minnesota statutes, methodology, personnel requirements, permit compliance.
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 16, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Health Finance and Policy |
| April 09, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Committee report, to adopt as amended | |
| April 09, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Second reading |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill modifies the exemption from national standards for quality control and personnel requirements for environmental laboratories under section 144.98, subdivision 8.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies the conditions under which a laboratory can request exemption from national standards for quality control and personnel requirements."
]
},
"citation": "144.98",
"subdivision": "subdivision 8"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill modifies the exemption from national standards for proficiency testing frequency for environmental laboratories under section 144.98, subdivision 9.",
"modified": [
"Specifies the procedure for laboratories to follow if they fail a proficiency test and outlines the commissioner's authority regarding additional proficiency testing."
]
},
"citation": "144.98",
"subdivision": "subdivision 9"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Section 115.03, subdivision 5, relates to permits that laboratories analyze samples for compliance.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "115.03",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5"
}
]