Notice of the hearing must be published at least ten days before the hearing. A public health authority is governed by a public health authority board, which replaces the local board of health and assumes its functions, assets, and liabilities. A single-county public health authority board is composed of seven to nine members appointed by the county commissioners. A multi-county board is composed of eight to eleven members. The chairs of the boards of commissioners of each county in a multi-county authority appoint one commissioner to serve on the board.
Board members serve staggered three-year terms.
The board members elect a chair, who serves a one-year term. The public health authority board has the duty to protect and promote the public health, and may adopt rules necessary to meet that duty. The board may adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws for the conduct of its business. The board has the authority to enter into contracts for necessary supplies, equipment, or services for the operation of its business. The board may establish and operate health care networks.