Section 2A. Upon declaration by the governor that an emergency exists which is detrimental to the public health, the commissioner may, with the approval of the governor and the public health council, during such period of emergency, take such action and incur such liabilities as he may deem necessary to assure the maintenance of public health and the prevention of disease.
The commissioner, with the approval of the public health council, may establish procedures to be followed during such emergency to insure the continuation of essential public health services and the enforcement of the same.
Upon declaration by the governor that such emergency has terminated, all powers granted to and exercised by the commissioner under this section shall terminate.
Structure Massachusetts General Laws
Part I - Administration of the Government
Title II - Executive and Administrative Officers of the Commonwealth
Chapter 17 - Department of Public Health
Section 1 - Composition of Department
Section 2 - Commissioner; Qualifications; Appointment and Term; Salary
Section 2a - Powers of Commissioner Upon Declaration of Emergency
Section 3 - Public Health Council
Section 4 - Other Divisions; Directors; Civil Service
Section 4a - Poison Information and Control Center
Section 5 - Deputy Commissioners
Section 6 - Assistant Directors, Treasurers, Superintendents, Inspectors and Other Employees
Section 6a - Training Programs for Residents in Medical Specialties; Fellowships
Section 7 - District Health Officers
Section 7a - Public Health Officers; Eligibility; Salaries
Section 11 - Commission on Hypertension
Section 13 - Drug Formulary Commission
Section 15 - Advisory Council on Organ and Tissue Transplants and Donations
Section 16 - Office of Violence Prevention; Duties
Section 17 - Advisory Council on Quality of Care in Nursing Homes; Members; Duties
Section 18 - Bureau of Substance Addiction Services; Telephone Helpline; Website
Section 20 - Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance Fund