3.60 HEALTH DISTRICTS

A. Establishment.

1. Definition. A health district means all the territory consisting of one or more counties organized pursuant to the provisions of chapters 70.05 and 70.46 RCW. RCW 70.05.010(4).

2. Two or more counties. Health districts of two or more counties may be created by two or more boards of county commissioners. RCW 70.46.020.

3. One county. A health district of one county may be created by the county legislative authority. RCW 70.46.031.

B. District Boards of Health.

1. District of two or more counties.

   1. The district board of health shall consist of not less than five members for districts of two counties and seven members for districts of more than two counties, including two representatives from each county who are members of the board of county commissioners and who are appointed by the board of county commissioners. RCW 70.46.020.

   2. The boards of county commissioners for membership on the board:

      i. May provide for elected officials from cities and towns;

      ii. May provide for persons other than elected officials so long as they do not constitute a majority;

      iii. Shall provide for appointment, term, and compensation or reimbursement of expenses. Id.

2. District of one county. The county legislative authority may specify membership and representation on the district board of health and:

   1. May appoint elected officials from cities and towns;

   2. May appoint persons other than elected officials so long as they do not constitute a majority. RCW 70.46.031.

C. Jurisdiction.

1. Territory included in the district. The district board of health shall constitute the local board of health for all territory included in the district. RCW 70.46.060.

D. Powers and Duties.

1. All powers and duties. The district board of health shall exercise all the powers and perform all the duties vested in the county board of health of any county included in the district. RCW 70.46.060.