SB 938
Clarifying powers, duties, and responsibilities of certain public health officials
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill clarifies the powers, duties, and responsibilities of key public health officials in West Virginia, including the Secretary of the Department of Health, the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health, and the State Health Officer. It amends several existing sections of the West Virginia Code to provide greater authority and clarity in these roles, particularly regarding local boards of health, source water protection, and responding to public health emergencies. The bill aims to streamline operations and ensure effective public health services across the state.
Key provisions
- Establishes a framework for combined local boards of health, allowing counties and municipalities to collaborate on public health services.
- Defines the specific powers and duties of the Secretary, Commissioner, and State Health Officer, including oversight of local boards and enforcement of public health laws.
- Requires the creation of a Center for Local Public Health within the Bureau for Public Health to support and enhance local health departments.
- Outlines requirements for source water protection plans, including contingency plans and monitoring systems.
- Clarifies the commissioner's authority to intervene in local boards of health when necessary to protect public health.
- Addresses penalties for interfering with public health officials and their employees.
- Establishes a process for local boards of health to receive funding and manage their finances.
- Requires local boards of health to provide basic public health services and programs, aligning with state standards.
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