1. _________ California Department of Pesticide Regulation February 2007 New California Pesticide Law - Medical Reimbursement for Non-Occupational Drift

2. Medical Reimbursement Law – SB391 added Section 12997.5 Requires reimbursement of medical costs if ALL of the following occur: - Non-occupational situation - Resulted from production agric application - Misuse (violation) caused an acute illness or injury - Victim sought immediate medical attention - Medical costs not covered by insurance etc

3. Medical Reimbursement Law The new law also added Section 12996.5(b) which states that each exposed person can be a separate violation.

4. Medical Reimbursement Law The new law also added Section 12997.7 which requires Cal/EPA hq, in conjunction with other agencies, such as the Office of Emergency Services (OES) to develop protocols for their local area plans to include pesticide drift exposure response. OES is proposing regulations.

5. Medical Reimbursement Law DPR developed a Pesticide Incident Reimbursement Law Implementation Guidance document.

6. County Agric. Commissioner (CAC) Role in Implementation In California, county staff are the local enforcement for pesticide use. The Dept of Pesticide Regulation DPR oversees and provides guidance. CAC conducts the investigation and takes appropriate action in a timely manner; attempts to complete the determination within 45 days of incident CAC properly collects evidence, identifies violations and their elements, identifies violators and victims to best of their ability.

7. Implementation Guidance Document Investigations Separate Violations Penalty Reductions Uncompensated Medical Costs Protocol Development for Emergency Response by Office of Emergency Services

8. California state law requires applicators to use pesticides in a manner to prevent substantial drift to nontarget areas Determination of substantial drift depends on whether applicator used due care Applicator must establish if there is reasonable possibility of harm or damage before deciding whether to use pesticide Drift

9. Drift incidents and illnesses Investigate each incident or complaint DPR collects and analyzes pesticide illness reports. Report available at http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/whs/pisp.htm http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/whs/pisp.htm Drift Deserves Attention

10. In California: Suburbs going into traditionally agric. areas Public generally more aware of, and concerned about, exposure to toxins Agriculture is a large industry, year-round season. Problems and concerns have sharpened media, legislative, and regulatory focus Drift Getting More Attention

11. Recent Regulation Changes In 2005, California DPR and the County Agricultural Commissioners Association issued Enforcement Response Policy which increased fines for repeat violations In 2006, regulations were put into place to strengthen enforcement

12. Questions?