BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS –An Act Establishing an Appointed Board of Health for the Town of Nantucket sponsored by Representative Timothy Madden of Nantucket was signed into law this morning and is now Chapter 46 of Acts of 2010.

This legislation creates a five member Board of Health on Nantucket which will be separate from any other board or commission of the town, having all the powers, duties and responsibilities granted to Boards of Health throughout the Commonwealth.

“I am happy to see that the Governor signed this bill into law,” said Rep. Madden. “For a number of years many in Town have been looking to do this, and at the last town meeting they moved to have the legislation put forward. This will alleviate the Board of Selectman from splitting time between issues of the Board of Heath and their own. A separate Board of Health will allow its members the adequate time that these issues require.” 

This Board of Health will differ from a typical health board created under the General Laws in that it identities certain membership for those with different qualifications, especially members with healthcare backgrounds (if available).