Replaces the education and practice qualifications required for registration as an environmental health specialist under GS 90A-53 to now require satisfying any of the following: (1) graduation with a bachelor's degree or a postgraduate degree from a program accredited by the National Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC); (2) graduation with a bachelor's degree or a postgraduate degree in public health and has at least one year of experience in the field of environmental health practice; or (3) graduation with a bachelor's degree or postgraduate degree, has earned a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours in physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences and has at least one year of experiences in the field of environmental health practice; or (4) worked at least five years as a registered environmental health associate. Makes technical changes.

Enacts GS 90A-53.1, establishing requirements for registration as an environmental health associate, with certification issuable by the Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners. Registration requirements include application and payment of $100 fee, meeting and complying with applicable ethics standards, and meeting at least one of the education qualifications described: either (1) graduating with an associate, bachelor's, or postgraduate degree from a program accredited by EHAC and completed general and specialized instruction and training in environmental health approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS); or (2) graduating with an associate, bachelor's, or postgraduate degree and earned a minimum of 15 semester hours in physical, biological, natural, life, or health sciences and satisfactorily completed general and specialized instruction and training in environmental health approved by DHHS. Adds environmental health associate and registered environmental health associate to the defined terms in GS 90A-51 and makes technical changes.

Amends GS 90A-52, authorizing a registered environmental health associate, working under the responsible charge of a registered environmental health specialist, to perform any of seven specified duties relating to permitting and inspections, pursuant to rules adopted by the Commission for Public Health, including permitting and inspections for private wells, inspections of Category I and II food establishments, and inspections of local confinement facilities. 

Makes the above provisions effective May 1, 2024.

Directs the Board of Environmental Health Specialist Examiners to amend its rules consistent with the act's provisions.