CONCEPT DRAFT

SUMMARY

This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208.

This bill proposes to authorize the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Health to designate Health Districts for planning and developing health promotion and disease prevention services for all citizens of Maine. Once established, the Health Districts will encourage and support equitable distribution of health promotion and disease prevention services and will improve access to health care and create local leadership for activities to improve the health and well-being of Maine citizens.

This bill also proposes to provide funds to support the work of a coordinating Health District Council in each Health District. The Health District Councils, which will include the agencies, hospitals, schools and municipal governments who can assist with access to and delivery of health promotion and disease prevention services, would be responsible for ensuring that the following 10 essential public health services are adequately addressed within the various elements of the health system in each region:

1. Monitoring health status to identify community health problems;

2. Diagnosing and investigating health problems and health hazards in the community;

3. Informing, educating, and empowering people about health issues;

4. Mobilizing community partnerships and acting to identify and solve health problems;

5. Developing policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts;

6. Enforcing laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety;

7. Linking people to needed personal health services and ensuring the provision of care when otherwise unavailable;

8. Ensuring a competent public health and personal health care workforce;