But local health departments’ and health boards’ day-to-day operations are supposed to be untouched by the new rules. Elected officials also have final say in appointing a health officer. The measure limiting health boards’ powers allows them to pass orders in an emergency, though the elected officials can change or revoke those orders. Montana legislators passed some of the most restrictive changes, including preventing limits on religious gatherings and banning employers - even hospitals - from requiring vaccination against COVID-19 or any other disease.īefore the new law, health boards comprising appointees by local governments set public health rules and approved emergency health measures for their regions. At least 26 states adopted laws rolling back public health powers. The law was part of a wave of bills passed in statehouses amid a pandemic backlash. “Anybody who has ever been in a job where they have a responsibility for something but not the authority to actually get that done knows how hard that is and how bad that feels,” Kelley said. Matt Kelley, CEO of the Montana Public Health Institute, a nonprofit focused on strengthening public health systems, said local health boards still have a duty to protect their communities, but the law limits their power to do so. Supporters said elected officials would be accountable to voters if they abuse that authority, while opponents said the change would inject politics into health decisions. The law, which took effect last April amid criticism of mask mandates and other COVID restrictions on businesses, gave local elected leaders the final say in creating public health rules.
This story also appeared in Kaiser Health News
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