Cameron Miranda
In 1978, the Michigan legislature granted public health departments broad authority to protect the public against communicable diseases and environmental health threats. This was established in the State Public Health Code, also known as Act 368 of 1978, which provides the basis for public health organisation, programming, and enforcement in Michigan. The Michigan Public Health Code outlines the powers and duties of local health departments, including the prevention and control of diseases and health problems, particularly in vulnerable population groups. It also covers the development and regulation of healthcare facilities and health services delivery systems. Local health departments in Michigan are also responsible for providing funding and support for various public health programs, such as the Women, Infants, and Children program, which offers supplemental nutrition and breastfeeding information to mothers and babies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of grant of broad authority to public health departments | 1978 |
| Name of the act that granted the authority | State Public Health Code |
| Other names for the act | Act 368 of 1978, Michigan Public Health Code |
| Organization responsible for the act | Michigan legislature |
| Description of the act | Provides the basis for public health organization, programming, and enforcement in Michigan |
| Number of essential public health services adopted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control in 1994 | 10 |
| Purpose of the services | To provide a national framework for national public health performance standards |
| Description of the services | A description of the public health activities that should be undertaken in all communities and define responsibilities of local public health systems |
| Powers of local health departments | To prevent disease, prolong life, and promote the public health through organized programs |
| Examples of organized programs | Prevention and control of environmental health hazards, prevention and control of diseases, prevention and control of health problems of particularly vulnerable population groups |
| Other powers of local health departments | To have the powers necessary or appropriate to perform the duties and exercise the powers given by law to the local health officer |
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What You'll Learn
- The Michigan Public Health Code grants public health officials broad powers
- Local health departments' duties include preventing disease and promoting public health
- Disclosure of COVID-19 patients' health information to first responders without their authorization
- MDHHS Chief Medical Executive interprets law regarding access to information for disease investigations
- MDHHS' Division of Environmental Health uses science to reduce harm from environmental hazards
The Michigan Public Health Code grants public health officials broad powers
The Michigan Public Health Code, also referred to as Act 368 of 1978, grants public health officials broad powers to protect the public's health. The Code provides a broad grant of authority to local health departments (LHDs) to take necessary action to safeguard the public's health. This includes the power to prevent and control diseases, address environmental health hazards, and promote the public health through organized programs.
Under the Code, local health officers are empowered to make determinations and take actions to carry out the local health department's functions. For instance, a local health officer can determine that there is an imminent danger to the health or lives of individuals in the area served by the department, or that control of an epidemic is necessary to protect public health. Based on these determinations, the officer has the authority to take appropriate action, such as issuing emergency orders to prohibit gatherings of people.
The Michigan Public Health Code also grants the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) their own set of emergency powers. Once the MDHHS director determines "that control of an epidemic is necessary to protect the public health," they are authorized to issue emergency orders to prohibit gatherings of people and establish procedures to ensure the continuation of essential public health services.
The broad powers granted to public health officials in Michigan are not without limits, however. Local health officers should work with their legal counsel to assess the exercise of police power to protect public health while also considering the potential impact on individual civil liberties. Courts have generally upheld the reasonable exercise of police power, as seen in the 1923 case where the Michigan Supreme Court upheld a resolution excluding unvaccinated individuals from public schools during a smallpox outbreak.
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Local health departments' duties include preventing disease and promoting public health
In 1978, the Michigan legislature granted broad authority to public health departments in the State Public Health Code, also known as Act 368 of 1978. This code provides the basis for public health organisation, programming, and enforcement in Michigan.
Local health departments play a critical role in preventing disease and promoting public health. Their duties encompass a wide range of activities aimed at safeguarding the well-being of their communities. These duties include:
- Preventing and controlling environmental health hazards, such as food safety services and restaurant inspections.
- Communicable disease control, including immunisations and vaccinations, such as for HPV and tuberculosis.
- Community outreach and education, providing health education and expert technical assistance or financial support.
- Epidemiology and surveillance, monitoring diseases, and addressing health inequities and social determinants of health.
- Health care facility development and regulation, ensuring access to quality health care services.
- Nutrition services, planning, implementing, and evaluating these services with technical assistance or financial support.
- Chronic disease control, including screening services and worksite wellness programs.
Local health departments in Michigan operate within the framework of the 10 Essential Public Health Services, a national framework for public health performance standards. These services include assessment of community health status, policy development to educate and protect the community, and assurance of quality public health and healthcare services.
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Disclosure of COVID-19 patients' health information to first responders without their authorization
In 1978, the Michigan legislature granted broad authority to public health departments in the State Public Health Code, also referred to as Act 368 of 1978. This code provides the basis for public health organisation, programming, and enforcement in Michigan.
Local health departments in Michigan are tasked with preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting public health through organised programs. This includes the prevention and control of environmental health hazards, diseases, and health problems of particularly vulnerable population groups. They are also responsible for the development and regulation of health care facilities and health services delivery systems.
The powers of local health departments in Michigan include the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate health and nutrition services by providing expert technical assistance, financial support, or both. These departments have the authority to perform the duties and exercise the powers given by law to the local health officer, as long as they are not prohibited by law.
Regarding the disclosure of COVID-19 patients' health information to first responders without their authorisation, there is no specific information available. However, given the broad authority granted to public health departments in Michigan, it is likely that they have the power to disclose such information in the interest of public health and safety.
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MDHHS Chief Medical Executive interprets law regarding access to information for disease investigations
In 1978, the Michigan legislature granted broad authority to public health departments in the State Public Health Code, also referred to as Act 368 of 1978. This code provides the basis for public health organisation, programming, and enforcement in Michigan.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian is the Chief Medical Executive for the State of Michigan. She is board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. Dr. Bagdasarian also serves as adjunct faculty at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and is a member of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Cabinet.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) uses the best available science to reduce, eliminate, or prevent harm from environmental, chemical, and physical hazards. It also provides resources and information to assist in assuring firearm safety for families in the state. The MDHHS is home to various public health programs, initiatives, and interventions aimed at improving the health and well-being of women, infants, families, and communities.
As the Chief Medical Executive, Dr. Bagdasarian likely plays a key role in interpreting the law regarding access to information for disease investigations. This includes utilising vital and health statistics and providing epidemiological research to protect public health. The local health departments in Michigan have the power to plan, implement, and evaluate health and nutrition services, with the overall goal of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting public health.
Therefore, while the health department itself may not create laws, it does have the authority to interpret and enforce them, guided by the Chief Medical Executive's expertise and leadership.
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MDHHS' Division of Environmental Health uses science to reduce harm from environmental hazards
In 1978, the Michigan legislature granted broad authority to public health departments in the State Public Health Code (Act 368 of 1978). This code outlines the duties of local health departments, which include preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting public health through organized programs.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' (MDHHS) Division of Environmental Health (DEH) uses the best available science to reduce, eliminate, or prevent harm from environmental, chemical, and physical hazards. DEH aims to promote environmental justice and equity for the people of Michigan by providing services to those who need them. For instance, DEH distributes water filters to reduce PFAS or lead in drinking water and removes lead paint hazards from homes.
DEH also provides information to assist in ensuring firearm safety for families in Michigan. The Division of Victim Services (DVS) is a part of DEH and provides a voice for victims of crime in Michigan. DVS-funded programs include 24/7, free, confidential, and anonymous domestic violence and sexual assault hotlines. DEH also serves as a liaison and provides funding to Michigan’s 45 local health departments.
The Strategy and Operations team within DEH provides strategic guidance, develops policies and processes, and ensures the Division functions efficiently. The Financial Management Unit supports the Division by creating and maintaining allocation budgets and annual spend plans, as well as conducting compliance testing on contracts and tracking expenditures.
The Biomonitoring, Epidemiology, and Response Section collects and assesses exposure and biomonitoring data to identify human exposure to environmental chemicals. When a health hazard is discovered or suspected, DEH staff conduct investigations to understand who is at risk and determine if any immediate public health actions are necessary. These investigations provide science-based answers about exposure, injury, or the efficacy of intervention. DEH also conducts human exposure assessments, health studies, or environmental assessments to determine the public health risks. They work with local, state, and federal partners to identify how exposures are occurring and how they can be limited.
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Frequently asked questions
The Michigan legislature granted broad authority to public health departments in 1978 in the State Public Health Code. This code, also known as Act 368 of 1978, provides the basis for public health organization, programming, and enforcement in Michigan.
Local health departments in Michigan have various powers and duties, including:
- Preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting public health through organized programs.
- Regulating healthcare facilities and services.
- Planning, implementing, and evaluating health and nutrition services through the provision of technical assistance and financial support.
- Conducting research and surveillance to protect public health.
The MDHHS's Division of Environmental Health (DEH) uses the best available science to reduce, eliminate, or prevent harm from environmental, chemical, and physical hazards.
