The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1919-04-10
PLAN TO AMEND
HEALTH LAWS
Legislature Shows Friendly Attl-
tude Toward Changes Now
Proposed.
COUNTIES TO HAVE NURSES
Assembly Passes Bill Requiring State
Board to Formulate Rules Govern
Ing Construction and Equip
ment of Comfort Stations.

Madison. Health conditions through
out the state have received careful CON
sideration by the state legislature, and
many conditions brought about by the
war have resulted in suggested laws.
There Is yet considerable pending leg
islation having to do with the existing
health laws and action Is expected on
a number of measures now before the
general assembly.
A bill requiring all counties to en-
ploy public health nurses, or health in
structors, making mandatory the pres
ent option law, precipltnted an ami
mated discussion at a joint committee
session last week. Registered nurses
insisted that the BIZ he limited to
graduate nurses with qualifications
based upon their three years training.
Representatives of the state board of
health, Anti-Tuberculosis association,
state conference on social work and
state council of defense claimed a
broad distinction exists between bed
side nursing, for which trained nurses
are peculiarly qualified, and public
health work Of the rural type, which
the bill aims especially to furnish.
They asked that the field be left open
10 both classes 81 health workers In
order to meet the needs of the rural
districts, which We're declared to be
OF urgent importance.
This bin was amended by the com
mIttee TO characterize such nurses as
public health graduate nurses" but
retained authority to appoint health
instructors, meaning young women
with special training in public health
work. Both classes are appolntve on
equal terms. Another amendment
gives the registered nurses representa-
ton on the committee of examiners
for these appointees, in place Of the
Industrial commission. other mem.
bers are to be named by the state
board of health and the state depart
mcnt Of public instruction. This sub
stitute amendment was reported
unanimously for passage.
The assembly has passed the Carter
bin empowering the state board of
health to formulate rules and regula-
tions governing the construction and
equipment Of public comfort stations
I'm every city and village. An amend
ment striking out 'h3 mandatory pro-
vision was voted down. This is
health measure which was strongly
backed by the women's committee Of
the state council Of defense, the fed.
Grated women's clubs, state highway
department travelling mems organlza-
lions and the state board Of health.
II will have hearing on the senate
side soon.
Publication of public water supplies
Md proper disposal Of municipal sew
age In the future are requirements
contained In the Czerwnskl bin vest
ing in the state board Of health con
trol Of all waters In and bordering on
the state rs to their safety for public
consumption. The bill has been or
Sered engrOSsed in the assembly ana
will come on for passage soon. Plans
for new water and sewerage systems
under this bin viii have to be submit
ted to the state board Of health for mp
prevail before construction may begin
Hearing on this measure was held be-
fore n joint session Of assembly and
senate committees,
A proposed change in the marriage
laws. having bearing on the public
health and welfare, Is involved in As
scmhlyman Bowmun's bill repeating
the fvc-day clause, applying the Gu
penics requirement to women az well
MS men aad recommending other
changes.
The house bill making influenza
reportabe disease Ceases MS we'll MS
deuths) is we'll on toward enactment.
So also is the bin vestng In local
boards Of health power TO order
closed schools, churches, amuscmcnts
and public gatherings ms a measure
for prevention of epidemlcs.
The Pullcn bin excmptIng local
health officers from liability IN the
performance of their official duty re-.
ccived q report from the senate com.
mttcc for indefinite postponement, but
was later rc-rcforrcd to the judiciary
committee. where II now ponds. The
bin making chuncroid a reportahlc dis.
caso declaring Il n menace TO public
health, prohibiting druggists from sell
Ing or prescribing alleged cures for
vcnerenl Diseases, and forbldding adj
refreshments Of such nostrums, passed
the senate and Is now before the MS.
snmhly commIltoe on puhlic welfnre.