2006 Louisiana Laws - RS 40:1300.171 — Purpose

PART LVI.  ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

§1300.171.  Purpose

A.  It is the intent of the legislature to establish an Environmental Health Surveillance System (EHSS) in accordance with this Part.  The purpose of the EHSS shall be to establish ongoing surveillance of the environmental factors, including physical, chemical, biological, and social factors and diseases affecting the citizens of this state, with a focus on disease trends and research.  The Board of Regents is hereby requested to cooperate with the division and the office in establishing the EHSS.

B.  The objectives of the EHSS are as follows:

(1)  To track and evaluate environmental factors, including physical, chemical, biological, and social factors, that may play a role in the development of certain chronic diseases.

(2)  To develop data in a standardized format for optimal use with other public health databases and to allow government, university, and public health officials to develop hypotheses for research on the potential impact of environmental factors on chronic diseases.

(3)  To provide information to the Department of Health and Hospitals, the Department of Environmental Quality, or any other relevant public or private entity for the development of appropriate preventive strategies.

Acts 2003, No. 666, §1.