STATEHOUSE (Feb. 23, 2023) – A bill authored by State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso) that would help modernize Indiana's public health services passed the Senate today by a vote of 41 – 7.
Senate Bill 4 would promote collaboration between local health departments and the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) by establishing the Local Public Health Fund grant program. This would allow local health departments to voluntarily partner with the state to provide certain "core public health services."
These services include, but are not limited to, communicable disease prevention and control, access to immunizations, tobacco prevention and cessation, partnering with schools to support student health, and reviewing child fatalities, suicides and overdose diseases.
The bill would also give local health departments more flexibility in selecting a local health officer by expanding who can qualify for the position to include an advanced practice registered nurse, a physician assistant or an individual with a master's degree in public health and at least five years of relevant work experience.
"Indiana ranks 40th in overall public health. Indiana is ranked 40th in obesity, 41st in smoking, and 38th in water quality and pollution. Overall, these numbers tell us Indiana is an unhealthy state," Charbonneau said. "SB 4 would significantly boost the quality and quantity of public health services for Hoosiers, which would help rural areas receive more accessible health care and develop a healthier population throughout the state."
Additionally, SB 4 would allow IDOH to issue guidance and supportive services to local health departments to assist with the uniform application of public health laws.
"I am proud to champion a bill that promotes the expansion of health care services and I look forward to seeing it continue through the legislative process," Charbonneau added.
SB 4 will now move to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration. To learn more about the bill, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R- Valparaiso) represents Senate District 5,
which includes Pulaski and White counties and portions of Jasper and Porter counties .
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
