11/3/09-House lawmakers voted 114-36 to approve an effort giving public health officials the power to isolate individuals and order quarantines to contain the outbreak of serious contagious diseases.
Sponsored by Sen. Richard Moore, D-Uxbridge, S2028 is designed to protect public health in case of a variety of possible emergencies, including natural disasters, chemical spills, bioterrorist attacks and infectious diseases. The H1N1 virus, or swine flu, is covered under infectious diseases.
The bill clarifies the authority of government and the rights of citizens in the case of a public health crisis. A House-Senate conference committee has been appointed to work out differences in the bill approved by the chambers.
The current version doesn’t include Senate-approved provisions to place restrictions on the right to public assembly and allow the arrest of individuals without warrant.
Forced vaccinations would be prohibited, although health officials would have the ability to quarantine people who are unwilling to be vaccinated during extraordinary health emergencies.
Anyone subject to quarantine would have the right to appeal to a Superior Court judge. Employers also would be forbidden to fire workers who had been placed under quarantine.
In addition, once an emergency has been declared the commissioner of public health would have authority to evacuate and decontaminate public buildings.
For bill status, call 617-722-1276.

9/9/09-A bill in the House Ways and Means Committee would authorize the state to forcefully quarantine people if a health emergency is declared because of a swine flu outbreak. The Senate already approved it.
Sponsored by Sen. Richard Moore, D-Uxbridge, S2028 is designed to protect public health in case of a variety of possible emergencies, including natural disasters, chemical spills, bioterrorist attacks and infectious diseases. The H1N1 virus, or swine flu, is covered under infectious diseases.
Vaccinations are not mandated. Moore said they can only be “strongly suggested” by the Department of Health during a declared, statewide emergency. For people who are unwilling to be vaccinated, they can be isolated or quarantined if it is determined they pose a threat to the general public’s health.
Moore said the provision is needed to protect public safety against irresponsible actions by anyone who has the flu.
During a public health emergency, the bill would allow warrantless searches, if there is probable cause to believe a person has violated a health order. Violators would face up to $1,000 fines and possible jail time.
For bill status, call 617-722-1276.