Maine § 454-A. - Powers and duties
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 454-A. — Powers and duties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 454-A.. Powers and duties
1. Supervision. For the purposes of this section, a local health officer is subject to the supervision and direction of the commissioner or the commissioner’s designee.
2. Duties. Within jurisdictional limits, a local health officer shall:
A. Make and keep a record of all the proceedings, transactions, ordinances, orders and rules acted upon by the local health officer; [PL 2007, c. 598, §7 (NEW).]
B. Report to the commissioner or the commissioner's designee facts that relate to communicable diseases and cases of communicable disease as required by department rules; [PL 2007, c. 598, §7 (NEW).]
C. During a declared health emergency, as defined in section 802, subsections 2 and 2‑A, report to the commissioner or the commissioner's designee facts regarding potential notifiable diseases and cases that directly relate to the declared health emergency, as the rules of the department require; [PL 2007, c. 598, §7 (NEW).]
D. Receive and examine the nature of complaints made by members of the public concerning conditions posing a public health threat or a potential public health threat; [PL 2007, c. 598, §7 (NEW).]
E. With the consent of the owner, agent or occupant, enter, inspect and examine any place or premises where filth, whether or not the cause of sickness, or conditions posing a public health threat are known or believed to exist. An agent with special expertise appointed by the local health officer may inspect and examine the place or premises. If entry is refused, the local health officer shall apply for an inspection warrant from the District Court, pursuant to Title 4, section 179, prior to conducting the inspection; [PL 2007, c. 598, §7 (NEW).]
F. After consulting with the commissioner or the commissioner's designee, order the suppression and removal of nuisances and conditions suspected of posing or found to pose a public health threat; [PL 2007, c. 598, §7 (NEW).]
G. Act as a resource for connecting residents with the public health services and resources provided by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention; [PL 2023, c. 46, §3 (AMD).]
H. Enforce public health safety laws, including:
(2) Laws pertaining to control of browntail moths under section 1444;
(3) Laws pertaining to the removal of a private nuisance or nuisance of a dead animal under sections 1561 and 1562;
(4) Laws pertaining to the establishment of temporary health care facilities under section 1762; and
(5) Laws pertaining to prohibited dumping under Title 30‑A, section 3352; and [PL 2023, c. 46, §4 (AMD).]
I. Supervise associate health officers appointed under section 451, subsection 7. [PL 2023, c. 46, §5 (NEW).]
For purposes of this subsection, "public health threat" means any condition or behavior that can reasonably be expected to place others at significant risk of exposure to infection with a communicable disease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 454-A.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 454-A. cover?
Section 454-A. ("Powers and duties") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 454-A.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 454-A." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 454-A. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.