The department may adopt emergency regulations as necessary to implement and administer this chapter in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. The initial adoption of any emergency regulations following January 1, 1997, shall be deemed to be an emergency and necessary for immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, or general welfare. Emergency regulations adopted pursuant to this act shall remain in effect no more than 180 days.