CT SB00277

Establishes an advisory council within the Department of Public Health to promote communication and collaboration between the Department of Public Health, local health departments, and health districts.

Council shall advise on strategies to increase resources, improve collaboration and communication, enhance public health policies and emergency preparedness, and oversee funding allocation for local health departments and health districts.

Council membership consists of nine members including representatives from hospitals, Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, Connecticut Association of Directors of Health, schools of public health, and local health directors from varying population sizes, appointed by legislative leaders and the Governor.

Commissioner of Public Health serves as chairperson; first meeting must be held by July 1, 2012, with subsequent meetings required at least quarterly.

Council must submit annual reports to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly on public health matters beginning January 1, 2013.