“HB 214 is now law!”
State Representative Mickey Channell delivered the good news via text message to GPHA’s legislative liaison Scott Maxwell, announcing that GPHA’s #1 Legislative Priority for 2011 had been achieved. HB214 creates an independent, cabinet-level Department of Public Health. The new law will become effective July 1, 2011.
Governor Nathan Deal signed the bill into law on Friday, May 13, and will be making nine appointments to the new Board of Public Health within the next couple of months.
Summary of HB 214
To amend Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health, so as to create the Hemophilia Advisory Board; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for duties, reporting, membership, and the selection of officers; to establish the Department of Public Health; to reassign functions of the Division of Public Health of the Department of Community Health to the Department of Public Health; to provide for transition to the new agency; to create a Board of Public Health and a commissioner of public health; to amend various titles for purposes of conformity; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.