Local Health Officer Training

Section 3: I am A New LHO

Maine Rules and Guidance Documents

State Agency Rules
Rules and guidelines are issued and enforced by government agencies to control behavior or standards for activities.

Regulation is an administrative ruling or directive that either establishes or limits your rights and allocates responsibilities.  The Code of Maine Rules (CMR), are arranged by unique numbers that identify the department, departmental unit, and chapter.  Rules Governing Qualifications of Local Health Officers  Maine CDC rules (10-144 CMR Ch. 294) (Word) (new window)

Guidance Documents

The term "guidance document" does not have a clear legal definition. Guidance documents are not usually enforceable rules or requirements by themselves.  Guidance documents are written guidelines/explanations which provide broad advice in following a procedure or process, instead of providing a set of precise requirements or standards. They usually are used to explain the objective or interpretation of a vague or non-specific law or requirement.

An important guidance document is Maine CDC Health Alerts.  Health Alerts are informational and are sent to keep LHOs updated on priority public health issues in Maine.  This health alert information is emailed or faxed to all LHOs.  An explanation of the HAN alerts can be found in the introduction section of this manual.

 

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