About Our Department
Local health officials in New Hampshire, appointed by the Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS), are responsible for investigating, enforcing, and resolving public health issues at the local level. They work closely with state agencies to address emerging concerns and requests, report cases of elder or child abuse and neglect, and provide community education on public health matters. Additionally, they serve as a liaison between state officials, local elected officials, and community members regarding local environmental and public health issues. Their role includes enforcing applicable New Hampshire laws, regulations, and local ordinances, while also ensuring proper referrals to the appropriate state agencies when necessary.
Inspections and Enforcement
- Septic Regulations: Administer and enforce the Town of Sunapee septic regulations which aim to protect public health and the environment by overseeing sewage disposal systems in the Shoreline Overlay.
- Minimum Housing Standards: Health officer may enforce minimum standards for rental housing, including: safe drinking water, availability of hot water, garbage control, properly functioning septic systems, vermin control, adequate heat, and that walls and roofs do not leak.
- Health Facilities: Health officers inspect new or modified health facilities to certify that they meet local health codes. These include hospitals, nursing homes, massage therapy establishments, and health club facilities.
- Childcare/Foster Homes: Health officers inspect/approve facilities used to provide childcare and the homes of people serving as foster parents to assure they meet local health codes. Many times these inspections are done in conjunction with representatives from local fire and zoning departments.
- School Health: A school health inspection is part of the NH Department of Education review process to ensure that school facilities meet minimum standards and operate a sanitary building. The health inspection must be performed by a health official.
Authority
Health officers most commonly use authority outlined in the following statutes:
- RSA 147: Public Health Nuisances
- Health officers of towns shall inquire into all nuisances and other causes of danger to the public health. These may include garbage, pests, unsanitary living conditions, septic failures, rodents, and more.
- RSA 48-A: Minimum Housing Standards
- Health officers may respond to State minimum housing standard violations (RSA 48-A:14).
- RSA 155-B: Hazardous and Dilapidated Buildings
- The governing body of a town has the ability to determine if a building poses a hazard to public health or general safety. The town may use the health officer to conduct inspections to gather evidence and make this determination.
Partner Agencies
Health officers work with various state agencies and programs to respond to public health issues that may arise:
- NH DPHS Healthy Homes & Environment Section
- NH DPHS Bureau of Infectious Disease
- NH DHHS Foster Care Program
- NH DHHS Childcare Licensing
- NH Department of Environmental Services
- New Hampshire Health Officer Association
- New Hampshire Municipal Association
- New Hampshire Department of Education