Greater congruence and clarity between functions of PHO, MHOs, and EHOs, with clearer mandate for MHOs to advise in an independent manner on public health issues.
Allow for regulations for health authorities regarding core public health functions.
Provincial and regional health promotion planning requirements to support prevention the ever-increasing burden of chronic diseases, and address determinants of health. (continued)
Clarity of role of local government, and relationship to health authorities.
Updated provisions on health “registries” e.g. Cancer
Strengthened measures to deal with health hazards i.e.withholding information about a health hazard can be an offense, allow for cost recoveries
Allow for regulations to protect people from harmful exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Allow for regulations to provide compensation for people affected by actions such as quarantine.
Updated measures to support planning for and response to public health emergencies, including the ability to investigate potential threats, mobilize resources, and take direct action to protect the health of the public.
Potential Concerns
Discussion about exercise of public health powers can result in fears that these will be used excessively
These are necessary powers to have but are only used as last resort and only when health of public is threatened, after careful consideration of all alternatives.
Proposals regarding “core public health functions” and “population health promotion planning” could result in additional regulatory burden on Health Authorities.
This is to provide for consistency of public health services across the province, while recognizing the need for local flexibility.
There will be minimal requirements in legislation, but rather details can be required through performance agreements.
Next Steps
Feedback on Consultation Public Health Act.
Continue targeted consultation on policy issues. Main outstanding issues include:
Role local government and relationships to Health Authorities
Appointments of Medical Health Officers and Environmental Health Officers to First Nations and other federal lands
Regulation of “registries” i.e. personal information banks that are used for a variety of health purposes
Preparation of legislative proposals.
Contents
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