333-061-0073 Cross Connection Specialist Certification (1) In order to be certified as a cross connection specialist, individuals must successfully complete all the applicable requirements of this rule. Only individuals certified by the Authority may administer cross connection control programs. (2) Individuals certified as a cross connection specialist must comply with ORS 448.279. (3) All training courses must be taken at an Authority approved training facility or be an Oregon Environmental Services Advisory Council approved course. (4) Satisfactory completion of an approved cross connection specialist training course means: (a) Completing the course; and (b) Scoring at least 70 percent on the written examination. (5) In order to apply for initial cross connection specialist certification, individuals must submit: (a) A completed initial application with all required documentation as specified on the initial application form and in this rule, including but not limited to: (A) Proof of high school graduation, GED, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, master’s degree, or PhD; and (B) Proof of satisfactory completion, as described in section (4) of this rule, of a cross connection specialist initial training course within the 12 months prior to the Authority receiving the completed application; (C) Proof of one-year of experience working with public water systems as defined in OAR 333-061-0020 or plumbing as defined in ORS 447.010; and (b) The initial certification fee as specified in section (8) of this rule. (6) Cross connection specialist certification expires on December 31 every two years based upon the first letter in the last name of the individual. (a) Certification for individuals with names beginning in the letters A-K expires in even numbered years; and (b) Certification for individuals with names beginning in the letters L-Z expires in odd numbered years. (c) Certification renewal fees may be prorated if individuals are required to renew their certification prior to the end of the most recent two-year certification period. (d) In order to apply to renew cross connection specialist certification, individuals must submit: (A) A completed renewal application with all required documentation as specified on the application form and in this rule, including but not limited to, proof of satisfactory completion of a total of at least 0.6 CEUs from cross connection-related training courses or meetings taken within the two-year period immediately prior to the date of the Authority receiving the completed application. Training courses and meetings must be attended at an Authority approved training facility or be approved by the Oregon Environmental Services Advisory Council; and (B) The certification renewal fee, as specified in section (8) of this rule. (e) The Authority may grant certification renewal without a reinstatement fee until January 31 in the year following the expiration date of the certification. A reinstatement fee as prescribed by section (8) of this rule is required in addition to the renewal fee for all renewal applications received after the grace period ending on January 31 following the expiration date of the certification. (f) Cross connection specialists that fail to renew their certification for one year following the expiration date of their certification must meet the requirements established for applicants as prescribed by sections (5) or (7) of this rule. (7) In order to apply for cross connection specialist certification based on reciprocity, individuals must submit: (a) A completed reciprocity application form with all required documentation as specified on the application form and in this rule, including but not limited to: (A) Proof of current certification from a state or entity having substantially equivalent certification training and testing standards to those set forth in these rules, as determined by the Authority; (B) Proof of satisfactory completion, as described in section (4) of this rule, of a cross connection specialist initial training course or cross connection specialist renewal course within the 12 months prior to the Authority receiving the completed application; (C) Proof of high school graduation, GED, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD; and (b) The reciprocity application fee as specified in section (8) of this rule. (8) Fees related to Cross Connection Specialist certification. (a) Payments must be made to the Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division. (b) The Authority will not refund any fees once it has initiated processing an application. (c) Fees are: (A) Initial Certification (2-years) $195; (B) Certification Renewal (2-years) $195; (C) Reciprocity Review $35; (D) Reinstatement $50; and (E) Combination Certification Renewal (2-years) $305. (d) Initial certification fees may be prorated to the nearest year for the remainder of the 2-year certification period. (e) The Combination Certification Renewal fee applies when applicants simultaneously renew their backflow assembly tester and cross connection specialist certifications. (9) Enforcement related to cross connection specialist certification. (a) The Authority may deny an initial application for certification, an application for renewal of certification, an application for certification based on reciprocity, or revoke a certification if the Authority determines the applicant/cross connection specialist: (A) Provided false information to the Authority; (B) Did not possess certification issued by another state or entity because it was revoked; (C) Permitted another person to use their certificate number; (D) Falsified a survey/inspection/Annual Summary Report; (E) Failed to comply with ORS 448.279; or (F) Failed to comply with these rules or other applicable federal, state or local laws or regulations. (b) Applicants or cross connection specialists who have been denied initial, renewal, or reciprocity certification or who have had their certification revoked have the right to appeal according to the provisions of ORS chapter 183. (c) Applicants or cross connection specialists who have been denied initial, renewal, or reciprocity certification or who have had their certification revoked may not reapply for certification for one year from the date of denial or revocation of certification. (d) Applicants or cross connection specialists may petition the Authority prior to one year from the date of denial or revocation and may be allowed to reapply at an earlier date, at the discretion of the Authority. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 448.131 & 448.279 Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 448.131, 448.278 & 448.279 History: PH 7-2023, amend filed 01/31/2023, effective 02/01/2023 PH 2-2018, amend filed 01/10/2018, effective 01/10/2018 PH 23-2015, f. 12-8-15, cert. ef. 1-1-16 PH 14-2014, f. & cert. ef. 5-8-14 PH 3-2013, f. & cert. ef. 1-25-13 PH 7-2010, f. & cert. ef. 4-19-10 PH 34-2004, f. & cert. ef. 11-2-04 OHD 4-1999, f. 7-14-99, cert. ef. 7-15-99