The Public Health Council and the Office of Public Health Infrastructure in the Division of Health Infrastructure, Preparedness and Emergency Response of the Department of Health and Senior Services is proposing rulemaking to readopt, without change, N.J.A.C. 8:52.

       N.J.A.C. 8:52 establishes performance standards for the provision of public health services by local boards of health and health departments. N.J.S.A. 26:1A-15 requires the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Senior Services to recommend and the Public Health Council to prescribe recognized public health activities and minimum standards of performance for local boards of health and health departments.  N.J.S.A. 26:1A-15 requires local boards and health departments to provide these activities and meet these standards.  The continued implementation of these standards of performance is necessary to ensure a reliable, cost-effective public health system.

       The proposal appears in the March 3, 2007 issue of the New Jersey Register.

       The public has until May 2, 2008 to comment on the proposal.  Persons wishing to comment on the proposal must submit their comments in writing to Ruth Charbonneau, Director, Office of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625.  Written comments on the proposal must be postmarked on or before May 2, 2008, which is the close of the 60-day public comment period.