(a) Registration.--All environmental laboratories shall register with the department by October 2, 2002, on a registration form prepared by the department. An environmental laboratory which begins testing or analysis of environmental samples after this date shall register with the department before beginning operations.

(b) Time for application.--All environmental laboratories shall apply for accreditation within six months after the Environmental Quality Board establishes an accreditation requirement by regulation for a type of laboratory. The submission of an application shall provide interim authorization to continue operations until the department takes final action on the application.

(c) NELAP accreditation.--An environmental laboratory may apply to the department for NELAP accreditation after the department is approved as an accrediting authority by NELAP. The department may grant NELAP accreditation to a laboratory that meets the requirements of this chapter and the most current version of the NELAC standards that are hereby incorporated by reference.

(d) Temporary fees.--Until regulations are promulgated under this chapter, the following fees shall be charged: