Meetings
Scheduled as needed.
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
Agenda’s | Minutes | Current Boards & Commissions
Members
Michael J. Coughlin
Thomas Cory
Stephen Gagliardi, MD
What We Do
Boards of Health in Massachusetts are required by state and local laws and regulations to perform many critical duties related to the protection of public health. These duties cover a wide range of public health control and prevention activities, including: disease surveillance; the promotion of sanitary conditions in housing, recreational facilities, and food establishments; elimination of nuisances; the protection of the environment; and numerous other responsibilities. These requirements reflect the principle that many critical health problems are best handled by local officials familiar with local conditions. (From: MAHB, Guidebook for Massachusetts Boards of Health) Boards have authority to adopt and enforce reasonable health regulations under M.G. L. Chapter 111, Section 31 . Case law upholds boards’ authority to adopt regulations that are more restrictive than state standards so long as the local regulations do not conflict with state law and are not specifically preempted. (From MDPH, Manual of Laws and Regulations Relating to Boards of Health)
Boards of Health have primarily enforcement authority over most State Sanitary Code regulations, the following are examples:
- Chapter II of the State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 410.000: Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation;
- Chapter III of the State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 420.000: Farm labor camp regulations;
- Chapter IV of the State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 430.000: Minimum Standards for Recreational Camps for Children;
- Chapter V of the State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 435.000: Minimum Standards for Swimming Pools;
- Chapter VI of the State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 440.000: Minimum Standards for Developed Family Type Camp Grounds;
- Chapter VII of the State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 445.000: Minimum Standards for Bathing Beaches;
- Chapter VII I of the State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 480.000: Minimum Requirements for the Management of Medical or Biological Waste;
- Chapter X of the State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 590.000: Minimum Sanitation Standards for Food Establishments;
- Chapter XI of the State Sanitary Code, 105 CMR 675.000: Requirements to maintain Air Quality in Indoor Skating Rinks;
- Co-enforcement of the State Lead Regulations; M.G.L. c.111, s.189A – s.199B and 105 CMR 460.000.
Contact Information
One Government Center, Room 431
Fall River, MA 02722
508.324.2410