SB 450/HB 511, State Board of Environmental Health Specialists – Transfer of Responsibilities, would transfer the State Board of Environmental Sanitarians from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and rename the board to the State Board of Environmental Health Specialists. MACo supported this bill, along with its two affiliate organizations, the Maryland Conference of Local Environmental Health Directors and the Maryland Association of County Health Officers.  The strong public health focus of this profession makes DHMH the ideal location for the Board’s existence.  The public health mission of DHMH is germane to the work of the State Board and most individuals working as environmental sanitarians are employed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or a local health department.

SB 450 has passed the Senate and is scheduled for a hearing in the House Health and Government Operations and Environmental Matters Committees on March 27.  HB 511 is awaiting committee action.