Law Summary
Composition of Provincial Boards of Health
- The board includes:
- A president, who must be a qualified physician.
- The president of the municipal board of health of the provincial capital.
- The provincial supervisor.
- The provincial secretary acts as the board secretary.
- The senior military medical officer in the provincial capital is an honorary, non-voting member.
- The provincial fiscal serves as the board's legal adviser.
Appointment and Compensation of Presidents
- Presidents are appointed by the Civil Governor with the Commission's advice and consent.
- Salaries are fixed by the Commissioner of Public Health, with Secretary of the Interior's approval, paid in U.S. currency monthly.
- Salary caps vary by province, ranging from $900 to $1,500 annually depending on the province.
- Other board members, including provincial supervisors and secretaries, receive no compensation.
- Members are reimbursed for official travel expenses under conditions similar to other provincial officials.
Powers and Duties of Provincial Boards of Health
- Supervise the health and sanitation conditions of the province, including domestic animal health.
- Exercise control over municipal boards of health within their province.
- Prosecute violations of sanitary laws and enforce the Board of Health regulations.
- Appoint sanitary inspectors during epidemics or as needed.
- Conduct regular meetings bi-monthly and special meetings as called.
- Cannot enter contracts or incur liabilities beyond appropriated funds.
Role and Authority of the President of the Provincial Board
- Acts as the chief executive officer, overseeing all board activities.
- In emergencies without quorum, can exercise board powers but must report for ratification.
- Must submit quarterly expense estimates and other reports as required.
Role of the Provincial Fiscal
- Investigates unexplained sudden deaths and cases of suspected foul play.
- Can demand aid from the provincial board president for investigations or autopsies.
- Repeals prior laws creating a Medical-Legal Department.
Temporary Discharge of Presidential Duties
- In the president's absence or incapacity, the municipal board president of the provincial capital temporarily assumes duties.
Roles of Other Board Officers
- The provincial supervisor serves as sanitary inspector and engineer.
- The board secretary maintains records, compiles statistics, and provides clerical support.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon its passage.