The local Health Officer is a municipal employee, appointed by the NH Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS), who is an important and trusted point of contact for local concerns and fulfills a critical role in enforcing public health laws and proposing local health-related ordinances.
The job of the local Health Officer is to educate, gather evidence, and enforce laws as needed. Specific tasks include:
Investigate, enforce, and resolve local public health issues.
Knowledge of the relevant State and local laws providing authority to the local health officer.
Respond to requests for inspection assistance from State agencies.
Report concerns of elder or child abuse, neglect, or self-neglect.
Provide guidance and education to the community on public health issues.
Refer residents or complainants to appropriate State agencies.