Medical Officer of Health

The HPPA specifies the duties and scope of responsibility for medical officers of health. A medical officer of health is generally a specialist physician who has a current license to practice medicine from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and a Fellowship in Community Medicine or equivalent, including:

a degree from a university in Canada that is granted after not less than one academic year of full time post graduate studies or its equivalent in public health comprising:

1. epidemiology,
2. quantitative methods,
3. management and administration, and
4. disease prevention and health promotion.

The medical officer of health (MOH) is appointed by the Minister of Health and acts as the executive officer of the board. All information pertaining to board operation, be it program or budget, is the responsibility of the MOH. Reports directly to the board of health issues relating to public health concerns and to public health programs and services. The authority of the medical officer of health is limited to the health unit served by the board of health.

The medical officer of health is entitled to attend each meeting of the board and its committees (except as it relates to performance and remuneration of the MOH. The public must be assured that their health needs are being assessed by qualified medical personnel and that the board will act on such advice.

Staff of the board of health are subject to the direction of, and are responsible to the medical officer of health if their duties relate to the delivery of public health programs or services.

Due to the mandate of the MOH (Section 66(3) of the Health Protection and Promotion Act) a practical and reasonable working relationship is essential for the smooth and effective operation of the health unit.

Administrative Responsibilities of the Medical Officer of Health:

• directs staff in the implementation of board policies and procedures;
• is accountable to the board for day-to-day operation of the health unit;
• is responsible for the direct supervision and performance appraisal of senior staff;
• advises or assists department heads in hiring staff;
• encourages and promotes the continuing education of all staff;
• directs the overall provision of programs and services;
• evaluates the effectiveness of programs and services; and
• recommends appropriate changes and reports these findings regularly to the board