§ 16-1. Declaration of policy, establishment of a local health unit and definitions.

It is the policy of the City of Eagle Pass to establish a local health unit, as authorized by Chapter 121 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, which shall be a division of the city that provides limited public health services and part of the planning department of the City of Eagle Pass, Texas (planning department). The local health unit may become affiliated with the Texas Department of Health (department) in order to facilitate the exchange of information and the coordination of public health services by annually providing the department with information on the services provided, staffing patterns and funding sources and budget of the local health unit.

The City of Eagle Pass hereby establishes a local health unit (unit) as a division of the city that provides limited public health services, as provided by the Health and Safety Code, § 121.004. The unit does not generally engage in (1) personal health promotion and maintenance services; (2) infectious disease control and prevention services; (3) environmental and consumer health programs; (4) public health education and information services; (5) laboratory services; or (6) administrative services. The unit may be delegated duties under the Texas Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act or the Texas Aquatic Life Act or other provisions of state or federal law.

"Local health unit" or "unit" shall mean the planning department, which shall provide public health services, the scope of which does not include each service required of a "local health department" by Texas Health and Safety Code § 121.032(a) or of a "public health district" as set forth in Texas Health and Safety Code § 121.043(a), as both may be amended.

"Local health unit director" shall mean the director of the planning department or their designee.

(Ord. No. 2016-09, § 1, 2-2-2016)