{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/32.1-31.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/32.1-31.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/32.1-31.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/32.1-31.html"}],"law_id":68104,"edition_id":1,"section_id":68104,"structure_id":15941,"section_number":"32.1-31","catch_line":"Operation of local health department under contract with Board; local health services advisory boards; district health departments","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 32-40.1, 32-40.2; 1954, c. 508; 1966, c. 535; 1977, c. 620; 1979, c. 711; 1987, c. 206.","full_text":"A\n\nThe governing body of any county or city may enter into a contract with the Board for the operation of the local health department in such county or city.B\n\nEach contract between a county or city and the Board shall specify the services to be provided in addition to the services required by law and shall contain such other provisions as the Board and the governing body of the county or city may agree upon.C\n\nWhenever in the opinion of the State Health Commissioner the operation of any local health departments operated under contractual agreement with the Board may be accomplished in a more efficient and economical manner by the consolidation of such local health departments, the Commissioner may propose the creation of a district health department composed of such local health departments. Such district health department shall be created by resolution duly adopted by the governing body of each county and city to be included in such district.C1\n\nThe governing body of each city or county may appoint a local health services advisory board for the local health department that serves it. If a local health department serves more than one city or county, the governing bodies of the cities or counties that it serves shall be entitled to jointly appoint such a board. The board shall include representatives of health care providers, recipients of health department services, state and local agencies with programs operated in conjunction with the health department, and the public at large. No more than two elected officials shall serve on any board.\n\t\t\tThe number of members appointed to each local board shall not be less than ten nor more than fifteen.\n\t\t\tThe local board shall actively participate with community representatives in the formulation of a comprehensive plan for the development, coordination and evaluation of local health services systems and shall make formal recommendations to the governing authority or authorities at least annually concerning the comprehensive plan and its implementation during the ensuing year.\n\t\t\tIt shall be the responsibility of the local health director to:1\n\nAttend the meetings of the board;2\n\nProvide information concerning the operation of the local health department as requested by the board; and3\n\nParticipate with the board in the preparation and review of the comprehensive plan.D\n\nWhenever a contract is entered into between a county or city and the Board as provided in this section, the Commissioner shall appoint the health director for the local health department. Whenever a district health department is formed as provided in this section, the Commissioner shall appoint a district health director who shall be deemed to be the local health director of each county and city in the district. Each health director appointed by the Commissioner shall be employed full time and shall be a state employee. Such health director shall perform such duties as may be prescribed in the contract or contracts and, with the approval of the Commissioner, any other health-related duties prescribed by local ordinances.E\n\nEvery employee of a local or district health department operated under a contract with the Board shall be a state employee; but if such person was an employee of such political subdivision and a member of the local retirement system on the effective date of any such contract and does not elect, in writing and within sixty days after the effective date of such contract, to become a member of the Commonwealth’s retirement system, such employee shall remain a member of the local retirement system.\n\t\t\tIn any case in which the effective date of such contract of affiliation is prior to July 1, 1977, any member of the Virginia Retirement System who became a member by such election and who has withdrawn his contributions from the local retirement system may be credited with his creditable service in such local system upon payment to the Virginia Retirement System of an amount equal to five percent of his salary rate at the date of payment multiplied by the number of years of service to be credited. Such crediting of service shall be allowed only if such member files written request therefor with the Board prior to October 1, 1977.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":246567,"text":"The governing body of any county or city may enter into a contract with the Board for the operation of the local health department in such county or city.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":246568,"text":"Each contract between a county or city and the Board shall specify the services to be provided in addition to the services required by law and shall contain such other provisions as the Board and the governing body of the county or city may agree upon.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":246569,"text":"Whenever in the opinion of the State Health Commissioner the operation of any local health departments operated under contractual agreement with the Board may be accomplished in a more efficient and economical manner by the consolidation of such local health departments, the Commissioner may propose the creation of a district health department composed of such local health departments. Such district health department shall be created by resolution duly adopted by the governing body of each county and city to be included in such district.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"C1"},"3":{"id":246570,"text":"The governing body of each city or county may appoint a local health services advisory board for the local health department that serves it. If a local health department serves more than one city or county, the governing bodies of the cities or counties that it serves shall be entitled to jointly appoint such a board. The board shall include representatives of health care providers, recipients of health department services, state and local agencies with programs operated in conjunction with the health department, and the public at large. No more than two elected officials shall serve on any board.\n\t\t\tThe number of members appointed to each local board shall not be less than ten nor more than fifteen.\n\t\t\tThe local board shall actively participate with community representatives in the formulation of a comprehensive plan for the development, coordination and evaluation of local health services systems and shall make formal recommendations to the governing authority or authorities at least annually concerning the comprehensive plan and its implementation during the ensuing year.\n\t\t\tIt shall be the responsibility of the local health director to:","type":"section","prefixes":["C1"],"prefix":"C1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C11"},"4":{"id":246571,"text":"Attend the meetings of the board;","type":"section","prefixes":["C1","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C11","prefix_anchor":"C11","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C12"},"5":{"id":246572,"text":"Provide information concerning the operation of the local health department as requested by the board; and","type":"section","prefixes":["C1","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C12","prefix_anchor":"C12","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C11","next_prefix":"C13"},"6":{"id":246573,"text":"Participate with the board in the preparation and review of the comprehensive plan.","type":"section","prefixes":["C1","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C13","prefix_anchor":"C13","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C12","next_prefix":"D"},"7":{"id":246574,"text":"Whenever a contract is entered into between a county or city and the Board as provided in this section, the Commissioner shall appoint the health director for the local health department. Whenever a district health department is formed as provided in this section, the Commissioner shall appoint a district health director who shall be deemed to be the local health director of each county and city in the district. Each health director appointed by the Commissioner shall be employed full time and shall be a state employee. Such health director shall perform such duties as may be prescribed in the contract or contracts and, with the approval of the Commissioner, any other health-related duties prescribed by local ordinances.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C13","next_prefix":"E"},"8":{"id":246575,"text":"Every employee of a local or district health department operated under a contract with the Board shall be a state employee; but if such person was an employee of such political subdivision and a member of the local retirement system on the effective date of any such contract and does not elect, in writing and within sixty days after the effective date of such contract, to become a member of the Commonwealth’s retirement system, such employee shall remain a member of the local retirement system.\n\t\t\tIn any case in which the effective date of such contract of affiliation is prior to July 1, 1977, any member of the Virginia Retirement System who became a member by such election and who has withdrawn his contributions from the local retirement system may be credited with his creditable service in such local system upon payment to the Virginia Retirement System of an amount equal to five percent of his salary rate at the date of payment multiplied by the number of years of service to be credited. Such crediting of service shall be allowed only if such member files written request therefor with the Board prior to October 1, 1977.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15941,"edition_id":1,"name":"Local Health Departments and Directors","identifier":"5","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13065,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 04:02:22","date_modified":"2026-06-26 04:02:22","permalink":{"id":201319,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15941,"identifier":"5","token":"32.1\/1\/5","url":"\/32.1\/1\/5\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13065,"edition_id":1,"name":"Administration Generally","identifier":"1","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12727,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:12","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:12","permalink":{"id":201101,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13065,"identifier":"1","token":"32.1\/1","url":"\/32.1\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12727,"edition_id":1,"name":"Health","identifier":"32.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:50","permalink":{"id":201099,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12727,"identifier":"32.1","token":"32.1","url":"\/32.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":62729,"structure_id":15941,"section_number":"32.1-30","catch_line":"Local health departments","url":"\/32.1-30\/","token":"32.1\/1\/5\/32.1-30","metadata":false},{"id":68104,"structure_id":15941,"section_number":"32.1-31","catch_line":"Operation of local health department under contract with Board; local health services advisory boards; district health departments","url":"\/32.1-31\/","token":"32.1\/1\/5\/32.1-31","metadata":false},{"id":78473,"structure_id":15941,"section_number":"32.1-32","catch_line":"Independent local health departments","url":"\/32.1-32\/","token":"32.1\/1\/5\/32.1-32","metadata":false},{"id":63529,"structure_id":15941,"section_number":"32.1-33","catch_line":"When Board to perform duties of local board","url":"\/32.1-33\/","token":"32.1\/1\/5\/32.1-33","metadata":false},{"id":61991,"structure_id":15941,"section_number":"32.1-34","catch_line":"Scope of local health ordinances and regulations","url":"\/32.1-34\/","token":"32.1\/1\/5\/32.1-34","metadata":false},{"id":66347,"structure_id":15941,"section_number":"32.1-34.1","catch_line":"Power to seek and receive donations","url":"\/32.1-34.1\/","token":"32.1\/1\/5\/32.1-34.1","metadata":false},{"id":84191,"structure_id":15941,"section_number":"32.1-34.2","catch_line":"Human trafficking hotline; posted notice required","url":"\/32.1-34.2\/","token":"32.1\/1\/5\/32.1-34.2","metadata":false},{"id":71967,"structure_id":15941,"section_number":"32.1-34.3","catch_line":"Funding local health departments; cooperative local health budget; report","url":"\/32.1-34.3\/","token":"32.1\/1\/5\/32.1-34.3","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":62729,"structure_id":15941,"section_number":"32.1-30","catch_line":"Local health departments","url":"\/32.1-30\/","token":"32.1\/1\/5\/32.1-30","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":78473,"structure_id":15941,"section_number":"32.1-32","catch_line":"Independent local health departments","url":"\/32.1-32\/","token":"32.1\/1\/5\/32.1-32","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/32.1-31\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 5 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1954, chapter 508; in 1966, chapter 535; in 1977, chapter 620; in 1979, chapter 711; in 1987, chapter 206.<\/p>","references":[{"id":66759,"section_number":"32.1-164","catch_line":"Powers and duties of Board; regulations; fees; onsite soil evaluators; letters in lieu of permits; inspections; civil penalties","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-164\/"},{"id":74291,"section_number":"32.1-176.4","catch_line":"Powers and duties of Board and Department; regulations; fees","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-176.4\/"},{"id":61634,"section_number":"32.1-273","catch_line":"Fees for certified copies, searches of files, etc.; disposition","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-273\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":201325,"object_type":"law","relational_id":68104,"identifier":"32.1-31","token":"32.1\/1\/5\/32.1-31","url":"\/32.1-31\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/32.1-31\/","token":"32.1\/1\/5\/32.1-31","dublin_core":{"Title":"Operation of local health department under contract with Board; local health services advisory boards; district health departments","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 32.1-31","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The governing body of any county or city may enter into a contract<\/span> with the Board<\/span> for the operation of the local health department<\/span> in such county or city. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Each contract<\/span> between a county or city and the Board<\/span> shall specify the services to be provided in addition to the services required by law<\/span> and shall contain such other provisions as the Board<\/span> and the governing body of the county or city may agree upon. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Whenever in the opinion<\/span> of the State Health Commissioner<\/span> the operation of any local health departments<\/span> operated under contractual agreement with the Board<\/span> may be accomplished in a more efficient and economical manner by the consolidation<\/span> of such local health departments<\/span>, the Commissioner<\/span> may propose the creation of a district health department<\/span> composed of such local health departments<\/span>. Such district health department<\/span> shall be created by resolution duly adopted by the governing body of each county and city to be included in such district. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C1.<\/span> The governing body of each city or county may appoint a local health services advisory board<\/span> for the local health department<\/span> that serves it. If a local health department<\/span> serves more than one city or county, the governing bodies of the cities or counties that it serves shall be entitled to jointly appoint such a board<\/span>. The board<\/span> shall include representatives of health care providers, recipients of health department<\/span> services, state and local agencies with programs operated in conjunction with the health department<\/span>, and the public at large. No more than two elected officials shall serve on any board<\/span>.\n\t\t\tThe number of members appointed to each local board<\/span> shall not be less than ten nor more than fifteen.\n\t\t\tThe local board<\/span> shall actively participate with community representatives in the formulation of a comprehensive plan for the development, coordination and evaluation of local health services systems and shall make formal recommendations to the governing authority or authorities at least annually concerning the comprehensive plan and its implementation during the ensuing year.\n\t\t\tIt shall be the responsibility of the local health director to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Attend the meetings of the board<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Provide information concerning the operation of the local health department<\/span> as requested by the board<\/span>; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Participate with the board<\/span> in the preparation and review of the comprehensive plan. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> Whenever a contract<\/span> is entered into between a county or city and the Board<\/span> as provided in this section, the Commissioner<\/span> shall appoint the health director for the local health department<\/span>. Whenever a district health department<\/span> is formed as provided in this section, the Commissioner<\/span> shall appoint a district health director who shall be deemed to be the local health director of each county and city in the district. Each health director appointed by the Commissioner<\/span> shall be employed full time and shall be a state employee. Such health director shall perform such duties as may be prescribed in the contract<\/span> or contracts<\/span> and, with the approval of the Commissioner<\/span>, any other health-related duties prescribed by local ordinances<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Every employee of a local or district health department<\/span> operated under a contract<\/span> with the Board<\/span> shall be a state employee; but if such person<\/span> was an employee of such political subdivision and a member of the local retirement system on the effective date of any such contract<\/span> and does not elect, in writing and within sixty days after the effective date of such contract<\/span>, to become a member of the Commonwealth’s retirement system, such employee shall remain a member of the local retirement system.\n\t\t\tIn any case in which the effective date of such contract<\/span> of affiliation is prior to July 1, 1977, any member of the Virginia Retirement System who became a member by such election and who has withdrawn his contributions from the local retirement system may be credited with his creditable service in such local system upon payment to the Virginia Retirement System of an amount equal to five percent of his salary rate at the date of payment multiplied by the number of years of service to be credited. Such crediting of service shall be allowed only if such member files written request therefor with the Board<\/span> prior to October 1, 1977. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nOPERATION OF LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT UNDER CONTRACT WITH BOARD; LOCAL HEALTH\nSERVICES ADVISORY BOARDS; DISTRICT HEALTH DEPARTMENTS (\u00a7 32.1-31)\n\nA. The governing body of any county or city may enter into a contract with the\nBoard for the operation of the local health department in such county or city.\n\nB. Each contract between a county or city and the Board shall specify the\nservices to be provided in addition to the services required by law and shall\ncontain such other provisions as the Board and the governing body of the county\nor city may agree upon.\n\nC. Whenever in the opinion of the State Health Commissioner the operation of any\nlocal health departments operated under contractual agreement with the Board may\nbe accomplished in a more efficient and economical manner by the consolidation\nof such local health departments, the Commissioner may propose the creation of a\ndistrict health department composed of such local health departments. Such\ndistrict health department shall be created by resolution duly adopted by the\ngoverning body of each county and city to be included in such district.\n\nC1. The governing body of each city or county may appoint a local health\nservices advisory board for the local health department that serves it. If a\nlocal health department serves more than one city or county, the governing\nbodies of the cities or counties that it serves shall be entitled to jointly\nappoint such a board. The board shall include representatives of health care\nproviders, recipients of health department services, state and local agencies\nwith programs operated in conjunction with the health department, and the public\nat large. No more than two elected officials shall serve on any board.\n\t\t\tThe number of members appointed to each local board shall not be less than\nten nor more than fifteen.\n\t\t\tThe local board shall actively participate with community representatives in\nthe formulation of a comprehensive plan for the development, coordination and\nevaluation of local health services systems and shall make formal\nrecommendations to the governing authority or authorities at least annually\nconcerning the comprehensive plan and its implementation during the ensuing\nyear.\n\t\t\tIt shall be the responsibility of the local health director to:\n\n 1. Attend the meetings of the board;\n\n 2. Provide information concerning the operation of the local health department\n as requested by the board; and\n\n 3. Participate with the board in the preparation and review of the\n comprehensive plan.\n\nD. Whenever a contract is entered into between a county or city and the Board as\nprovided in this section, the Commissioner shall appoint the health director for\nthe local health department. Whenever a district health department is formed as\nprovided in this section, the Commissioner shall appoint a district health\ndirector who shall be deemed to be the local health director of each county and\ncity in the district. Each health director appointed by the Commissioner shall\nbe employed full time and shall be a state employee. Such health director shall\nperform such duties as may be prescribed in the contract or contracts and, with\nthe approval of the Commissioner, any other health-related duties prescribed by\nlocal ordinances.\n\nE. Every employee of a local or district health department operated under a\ncontract with the Board shall be a state employee; but if such person was an\nemployee of such political subdivision and a member of the local retirement\nsystem on the effective date of any such contract and does not elect, in writing\nand within sixty days after the effective date of such contract, to become a\nmember of the Commonwealth’s retirement system, such employee shall remain\na member of the local retirement system.\n\t\t\tIn any case in which the effective date of such contract of affiliation is\nprior to July 1, 1977, any member of the Virginia Retirement System who became a\nmember by such election and who has withdrawn his contributions from the local\nretirement system may be credited with his creditable service in such local\nsystem upon payment to the Virginia Retirement System of an amount equal to five\npercent of his salary rate at the date of payment multiplied by the number of\nyears of service to be credited. Such crediting of service shall be allowed only\nif such member files written request therefor with the Board prior to October 1,\n1977.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7\u00a7 32-40.1, 32-40.2; 1954, c. 508; 1966, c. 535; 1977, c.\n620; 1979, c. 711; 1987, c. 206.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}