An Act To Improve Public Health by Maximizing Federal Funding Opportunities

CONCEPT DRAFT SUMMARY

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

This bill proposes to increase federal funding to improve the State's public health outcomes and workforce by designating the Maine Public Health Institute within the University of Southern Maine's Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service as an agent of the Department of Health and Human Services for the purpose of applying for federal funds to support public health research and programming. To provide guidance to the Maine Public Health Institute in carrying out this duty, this bill would establish an advisory board composed of officials from the department, including the Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and representatives of statewide public health organizations and care providers. The bill would require that the Maine Public Health Institute report every 2 years to the department and the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters.