CHS Administrative Duties
Personnel Recommendations
CHS Administration Handbook
CHS Administrative Duties
Last Revised: January 2014
Personnel Recommendations
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CHS Administrators
CHS Medical Consultants
Disease Prevention and Control / Health Promotion Staff
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Public Health Nurses
Other Public Health Professions
In considering candidates for a position on your staff, you need to consider both the legal requirements and the other qualifications and qualities that will help a candidate become a resourceful, committed, and valued member of your team. The personal
qualities and skills of an individual complement and strengthen their academic preparation and professional certifications. Characteristics such as being a "team player," having a positive outlook, being able to effectively communicate with clients and colleagues, having a public health perspective, and being creative in facing challenges are universally desirable traits in staff.
CHS Administrator
For more information on CHS Administrators, go to the section of this handbook that addresses CHS administration: Background on CHS Administration
CHS Medical Consultants
The CHB must appoint, employ, or contract with a medical consultant to ensure appropriate medical advice and direction for
the board of health and assist the board and its staff in the coordination of community health services with local medical care
and other health services (Minn. Stat. § 145A.10, subd. 3).
"Medical consultant" means a physician licensed to practice medicine in Minnesota who is working under a written agreement
with, employed by, or on contract with a board of health to provide advice and information, to authorize medical procedures
through standing orders, and to assist a board of health and its staff in coordinating their activities with local medical practitioners and health care institutions. (Minn. Stat. § 145A.02, subd. 15)
Disease Prevention and Control / Health Promotion Staff
As part of the collaborative agreement between MDH and local public health (LPH), MDH asks that LPH designate staff to have
communicable disease responsibilities for Tuberculosis; STI/HIV; vaccine-preventable disease; refugee health; and surveillance
activities. The MDH provides consultation and training to local Disease Prevention & Control staff as requested, so that local
staff are prepared to carry out the Disease Prevention and Control duties outlined in their Common Activities framework (PDF:
528KB / 33 pages).
Similarly, all local health departments are expected to designate a staff person to serve as a health promotion contact for MDH
staff (per the key indicators, accountability review).
Public Health Nurses
Public health departments in Minnesota employ public health nurses. According to Minnesota State Statute (Minn. Stat. § 148.232), a
public health nurse must be certified for public health duties by registration. Minn. R. 6316 lists the requirements for registration. This
includes a baccalaureate or higher degree with a major in nursing and minimum public health nursing coursework.
Other Public Health Professions
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Certifications, Licenses, Registrations, Rosters
Licenses and Permits Administered by MDH
Minnesota Department of Health Office of Performance Improvement
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/opi/