26:2D-45. Duties of department of health

The Department of Health shall, within 1 year of the effective date of this act:

a. Complete and update annually a study of the public health aspects of nuclear emergency response planning, which study shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, an evaluation of existing medical facilities and personnel to determine the State's present capacity to respond to any radiation threat to public health; an evaluation of the evacuation plans of hospitals and other health care facilities and alternate sources of care for patients; and an inventory of the standby plans, capacity, and distribution of all prophylactic or preventive supplies and equipment deemed medically advisable for use, as well as an evaluation of the feasibility and desirability of the State purchase and distribution of potassium iodide in order to minimize the adverse effects of the radiation accident. The results of the study, and any recommendations, shall be submitted to the department and the division for their use in preparing the plan and relevant portions of such study shall be submitted by the department to the municipalities charged with developing local emergency response plans to assist them in the preparation of such plans;

b. Establish standards and criteria to identify those persons at greatest health risk in the event of radiation exposure so that they may be afforded maximum protection;

c. Develop a plan for medical services to evacuees en route and at the sites of temporary shelter, and submit such plan to the department and the division for incorporation into the plan;

d. Develop and implement appropriate training programs for emergency medical personnel, health facility managers, and health officers;

e. Develop and implement, in cooperation with the division and the department, public educational programs concerning the effects and hazards of radiation.

L.1981, c. 302, s. 9, eff. Oct. 27, 1981.