§ 23-01-03 — Powers and duties of the health council

The health council shall:
1. Fix, subject to the provisions of section 23-01-02, the time and place of the meetings
of the council.
2. Make regulations for the government of the council and its officers and meetings.
3. Collaborate and advise in the establishment of standards, rules, and regulations,
which are found necessary for the maintenance of public health, including sanitation
and disease control.
4. Collaborate and support the development of basic standards for hospitals and related
medical institutions which render medical and nursing care, and for the construction
and maintenance of the institutions, standards to cover matters pertaining to
sanitation, building construction, fire protection measures, nursing procedures, and
preservation of medical records. A rule may not be adopted with respect to building
construction of existing medical hospitals or related medical institutions unless the rule
relates to safety factors or the hospital or related medical institution changes the scope
of service in such a way that a different license is required from the department
pursuant to rules adopted under chapter 23-16.
5. Hold hearings on all matters brought before the council by applicants and licensees of
medical hospitals with reference to the denial, suspension, or revocation of licenses
and make appropriate determination regarding these matters.
6. Inform and advise the governor, department of health and human services, legislative
assembly, and North Dakotans on public health issues that are important to the needs
of North Dakotans, and in the event of a public health emergency.
7. Monitor progress on the state public health strategic plan and advocate for evidence-
based practices and policies necessary to improve the health of North Dakotans.
8. In consultation with the state health officer and other agencies, associations, and
institutions represented on the health council, study and make recommendations
regarding the strategic plan and programs of the health division of the department of
health and human services. The recommendation may address public health
education and training, factors influencing the practice environment for health care
professionals, access to health care, and patient safety.
9. As the health council determines appropriate, consult with an individual or entity in
performing the council's duties under this section.