Indiana Senate Bill 4 that would help modernize Indiana’s public health services passed the Senate last week by a vote of 41-7.
The bill authored by Republican State Sen. Ed Charbonneau would promote collaboration between local health departments and the Indiana Department of Health by establishing the Local Public Health Fund grant program. This would allow local health departments to voluntarily partner with the state to provide certain “core public health services.”
These services include, but are not limited to, communicable disease prevention and control, access to immunizations, tobacco prevention and cessation, partnering with schools to support student health, and reviewing child fatalities, suicides and overdose diseases.
The bill would also give local health departments more flexibility in selecting a local health officer by expanding who can qualify for the position to include an advanced practice registered nurse, a physician assistant or an individual with a master’s degree in public health and at least five years of relevant work experience.
Additionally, the bill would allow the Indiana Department of Health to issue guidance and supportive services to local health departments to assist with the uniform application of public health laws.
Local government leaders have expressed concern about keeping local control of the health departments.
The bill is now in the hands of the Indiana House of Representatives.
