A bill to overhaul the current public health system is up for public hearing in the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee.

HB 1152 looks to restructure oversight of current health districts and provide state supervision of local health officials. Under the bill, the state would establish four regional comprehensive public health district centers to coordinate public health services across the state. The state would also create a Public Health Advisory Board within the Department of Health. The Board would:

• Monitor the performance of state public health systems.
• Develop goals and directions for public health in Washington.
• Evaluate public health emergency response.
• Approve funding prioritization.
• Evaluate the use of foundational public health funding for the public health system.

For a more comprehensive overview of the bill, please read our article from last week.

Dates to remember

HB 1152 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee on Wednesday, March 24 at 8 am.