Board of Health

A local board of health is a policy-making and enforcement body charged with protecting the public's health.

Under New Jersey state law, every municipality must provide for the functions of a local Board of Health. Most Boards are comprised of private citizens appointed by the elected officials of their municipality and are charged with the responsibility for their jurisdiction's public health. There are two categories that New Jersey Boards of Health fall into: Autonomous and Advisory.

An autonomous Board of Health has the legal authority to set health policy for its community by passing ordinances and adopting codes on issues of public health. They also ensure that their municipality is in compliance with New Jersey's Local Health Services Act and the NJ Public Health Practice Standards of Performance, the set of statutes and codes which lay the framework for public health activities and assure every citizen has the right to a minimal level of public health protection. The Bernards Township Board of Health is autonomous.

An advisory Board of Health has none of the legal powers of an autonomous Board. Basically, an advisory Board's function is just what the name suggests -- to advise. Their recommendations are taken into account by the actual policymakers who might be the town council or another unit of government.

Bernards Township Board of Health Members and appointment terms:

Dr. Albert Pizzale, President – 12/31/2012
Sarah Fenton, Vice President – 12/31/2010
Mary Pavlini, Township Committee Liaison – 12/31/2012
Dr. Mona Birk – 12/31/2012
Dr. Christopher Hunt – 12/31/2011
Dr. John Salaki – 12/31/2012

Rebecca Hyde – 12/31/2010

Paula DeBona, Board Attorney