Chapter
2
Public Health Laws and Statutes
Government-based public health practice is regulated by federal, state, and local laws, regulations, bylaws, and ordinances. This chapter provides important resources for public health officials to understand the legislative process at all three levels of government (federal, state, and local). Included are federal and state laws that require compliance by local public health officials, and informational resources on open meetings, public records, and conflicts of interest.
Topic Area
Resources
Topic Areas & Resources
Legislative Process:
- Federal Level
- Laws vs. Regulations – U. S. Senate
- Federal Legislative Process – U. S. Congress (Federal Laws)
- Federal Rulemaking Process – Federal Register (Rules and Regulations of Federal Agencies)
Legislative Process:
- State Level
- How an Idea Becomes Law – The General Court of Massachusetts (State Laws/Statutes)
- The Legislative Process – Massachusetts Bar Association
- Code of Massachusetts Regulations – State Library of Massachusetts (Regulations of State Agencies)
Legislative Process:
- Local Level
- How the City Council Enact Laws – Boston (City Ordinances, most other cities follow a similar process)
- Town Meetings in Massachusetts (Secretary of the Commonwealth)
- Local Ballot Measures – Ballotpedia
- Guidebook for MA Boards of Health (Chapter 2: Legal Authority and Procedures – Rule Making: Procedures for Making Local Regulations) – MAHB
Open Meeting Law
Public Records Law
Privacy Laws and HIPAA
Conflict of Interest (COI) Law
Additional Legal Resources