Public Health Authority

Local health officers and boards of health have broad legal authority to protect the life and health of the people within their jurisdictions. This authority is combined with other local emergency response authority and state authority to respond to public health emergencies.

Legal authority for the local Health Officer:

• Required to institute disease prevention and infection control measures (WAC 246-100-036)
  
• Authorized to carry out necessary steps to prevent disease and control infection (WAC 246-101-505)
  
• Authorized to enforce the public health statutes of the state and all local health rules, regulations and ordinances (RCW 70.05.070)

Legal authority for local Board of Health:

• Directed to take actions to preserve life and health of people within their jurisdiction (RCW 70.05.060)

The Health Officer leads all emergency response activities for the Spokane Regional Health District and makes decisions on staffing, resources and investigation direction needs.