Bill dealing with authority of health officials draws concern from Public Health Association

Bill dealing with authority of health officials draws concern from Public Health Association

Veto.

A "different" bill at the indiana statehouse is causing concern for some health officials.

"senate bill 5" deals with local health departments..

And in some cases, the authority they have.

Legislative supporters say it helps give people a voice.

But some health leaders feel the bill jeopardizes their ability to take quick action to protect hoosiers.

The first part of the bill deals with public health emergencies.

Health departments would need local government approval for stricter measures than executive orders outline.

For example... right now-- a local health department can set stricter capacity limits or mask rules than what the state orders.

But senate bill "5" would require approval from a county or city body...like a county council.

Other components of the bill involve the firing and hiring of health officials.

Lastly, the legislation sets up an appeals process for businesses that feel wronged in accordance with health orders.

The "indiana public health association" held a virtual press conference today to oppose the bill.

They feel it gives elected officials control over matters they aren't equipped to understand.

They also say it may delay routine matters.

But legislative supporters say they don't want to interfere with day-to-day operations of the health department.

:1} indiana senate bill 5 would be a dangerous experiment that hoosiers would soon regret.

//{flas} // without a doubt senate bill 5 will negatively affect the ability of local health departments to protect their communities.

:1} public health is extremely important..

Nobody wants to put anybody at risk.

//{flas} // what we have seen this entire process over the las 14 months we've all lived through..

Is some of the powers the executive branch and unelected bureaucrats have are greater than what some of us had really understood.

The senate will have to concur with changes in the house before