Board of Health
Responsibilities
County Boards of Health shall have jurisdiction over public health matters within the county, except as set forth herein and in section 137.13 Code of Iowa. The County Board of Health enforces state health laws, makes and enforces such reasonable rules and regulations for the protection and improvement of the public health. Local boards shall have the following powers and duties to the extent they do not unreasonably interfere with existing patterns of private professional practice of licensed practitioners of the healing arts.
Local boards:
- (1) May provide such personal and environmental health services as may be deemed necessary for the protection and improvement of the public health.
- (2) May engage in joint operations and contract with colleges and universities, the state department, other public and private agencies, and individuals for public health activities or projects.
- (3) May charge reasonable fees for personal health services. No person shall be denied necessary services within the limits of available personnel because of inability to pay the cost of such services.
- (4) May issue licenses and permits and charge reasonable fees therefore in relation to the collection or disposal of solid waste and the construction or operation of private water supplies or sewage disposal facilities.
The County Board of Health shall consist of five (5) members, at least one of whom shall be licensed in Iowa as a doctor of medicine and surgery or as an Osteopathic physician and surgeon as defined by law. Members are appointed by the County Board of Supervisors and shall serve a period of three (3) years. Vacancies due to death, resignation, or other causes shall be filled as soon as possible after a vacancy occurs by appointment by the County Board of Supervisors for the unexpired term of the original appointment. Members serve without compensation.