Local Health Officer Training

Section 4: Appointments and Duties

Part I

Appointment and Duties

Appointment of an LHO

Your town has appointed you as the local health officer because you possess the qualities necessary to perform the tasks that will arise while you are the LHO. The basis for this appointment is found in Title 22 M.R.S.A.  §451. [The words town and municipality are used interchangeably.] 

Title 22 M.R.S.A.  §451-1 authorizes every municipality in the State to employ a local health officer, who must be appointed by that municipality's municipal officers.  A person may be appointed and employed as the local health officer by more than one municipality.

Within ten days of the appointment of a Local Health Officer, the municipal official who is the municipality’s registered Local Health Officer Registration and Information System (LHORIS) account holder must update the municipality’s LHORIS (online) account. By updating the LHORIS account, the municipality fulfills the notification requirement to the State of Maine (22 M.R.S §451(3)). Municipalities should also use the LHORIS system to remove persons no longer serving as an LHO.

Qualifications of Local Health Officers

The Rule states that the local health officer must be qualified by education, training, and experience in the field of public health or a combination as determined by standards established by these rules. A person who is employed as a local health officer who is not qualified by education, training, or experience must meet qualification standards adopted by department rule no later than six months after appointment. However, a person can be appointed and serve as a local health officer if granted a waiver under Section 7, by the Department.

Training & Training Attendance

The Maine CDC will provide the required six-hour training at no cost to the town or the current or proposed LHO.  LHOs must complete at least one six-hour training every three years to meet the required LHO qualifications.

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