Part I. Definitions and General Provisions
12VAC5-501-10. Definitions.
The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Approved water supply" means a waterworks that has a valid waterworks operation permit from the commissioner or a water supply that is evaluated, tested and, if found in compliance with the applicable standards, accepted and approved by the director or the director's designee.
"Board" means the State Board of Health.
"Camp operator" means a person who has charge, care, or control of a migrant labor camp.
"Commissioner" means the State Health Commissioner or his designee who has been delegated powers in accordance with subdivision 2 of 12VAC5-501-30.
"Department" means the Virginia Health Department.
"Director" means the director of a city, county or district health department or his designated representative who is assigned responsibility for implementation of these regulations at the local level.
"Migrant labor camp" or "camp" means one or more structures, buildings, tents, barracks, trailers, vehicles, converted buildings, and unconventional enclosures of living space, reasonably contiguous, together with the land appertaining thereto, established, operated or used as living quarters for one or more persons, one or more of whom is a migrant worker engaged in agricultural or fishing activities, including related food processing. "Migrant labor camp" does not include (i) a summer camp, campground or hotel as defined in § 35.1-1 of the Code of Virginia, (ii) housing that, in the ordinary course of business, is regularly offered to the general public on a commercial basis and is provided to any migrant worker on the same or comparable terms and conditions as provided to the general public, or (iii) small businesses that are exempt under federal law as provided in the Fair Labor Standards Act (29 USC § 201 et seq.) and the Migrant and Seasonal Worker Protection Act (29 USC § 1801 et seq.).
"Migrant worker" means any individual from within or outside the Commonwealth who passes seasonally from one place to another for the purpose of employment (agricultural or fishing activities, including related food processing), who is not a year-round employee, and who occupies living quarters other than his permanent home during the period of such work.
"Owner" means a person who owns, leases or proposes to own or lease a migrant labor camp.
"Person" means an association, a corporation, individual, partnership, other legal entity, government, or governmental subdivision or agency.
"Variance" means a conditional waiver of a specific regulation granted by the commissioner or his designee pursuant to 12VAC5-501-120 to a specific camp operator relating to a specific situation or facility and may be for a specific period of time.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-20. Purpose of regulations.
This chapter has been promulgated by the State Board of Health to ensure that safe and healthy living conditions are provided for migrant workers and their families while they are employed and living in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This chapter establishes standards and procedures that the State Health Commissioner will follow in determining whether a permit to operate a migrant labor camp should be issued, denied, revoked, or suspended. In a similar way the chapter also delineates the procedures and requirements with which a camp must comply in order for the camp operator to obtain and retain a permit.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-30. Administration of regulations.
These regulations are administered by the following:
1. The State Board of Health, hereinafter referred to as the board, has responsibility to promulgate, amend and repeal regulations necessary to protect the public health.
2. The State Health Commissioner, hereinafter referred to as the commissioner, is the chief executive officer of the State Department of Health. The commissioner has the authority to act for the board when it is not in session (see § 32.1-20 of the Code of Virginia). The commissioner may delegate his powers under these regulations in writing to any subordinate.
3. The State Department of Health hereinafter referred to as "department" is designated as the primary agent of the commissioner for the purpose of administering these regulations.
4. The district or local health department is responsible for implementing and enforcing the regulatory activities required by these regulations.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.
12VAC5-501-40. Right of entry to inspect, etc.; warrants.
Upon presentation of appropriate credentials and upon consent of the owner, camp operator or custodian, the commissioner or his designee shall have the right to enter at any reasonable time onto any property to inspect, investigate, evaluate, conduct tests or take samples for testing as he reasonably deems necessary in order to determine compliance with the provisions of this chapter, any order of the board or commissioner, or any conditions in a permit, license or certificate issued by the board or commissioner. If the commissioner or his designee is denied entry, he may apply to an appropriate circuit court for an inspection warrant authorizing such investigation, evaluation, inspection, testing, or taking of samples for testing as provided in Chapter 24 (§ 19.2-393 et seq.) of Title 19.2 of the Code of Virginia.
Statutory Authority
§ 32.1-211 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. January 1, 2006.