The move comes in response to concerns about being prepared for a bioterrorist attack or outbreak of avian flu, as well as two commission reports that found the state health department has inadequate lab capacity, is understaffed and unprepared for public health emergencies. "Report after report said 'If we were hit by an act of bioterrorism, we could not respond,'" says state Senator Deborah Ortiz, who sponsored the bill.
The new department is expected to simplify the health care process, prepare the state for appropriate responses in case of a public health emergency, bring more public health doctors on board and promote community intervention. An essential part of the reorganization calls for putting a public health doctor at the helm of the department.
The law creating the department also seeks to enhance the relationship between state and local public health officials. By separating out public health programs, it should streamline communication between state and local public health authorities--a dialogue that was often overwhelmed by the health department's dominant program, MediCal, the state's Medicaid plan.
The new department will be up and running by July 2007. The language in the bill requires the department to be cost-neutral this year, but Ortiz expects it will cost $3 million to $5 million just for reorganization.
