1. État, peuple, Authorities » 17. Authorities » 172. Government, Administration and Advisory Councils

1 The Public Health Council, an advisory body serving the Government, is established by this law.

2 It assists the Government in defining and implementing public health and hygiene policy.

3 The Public Health Council represents users and local communities to the cantonal health authorities.

The Public Health Council has the following powers

a) it provides its opinion on health legislation;

b) it participates in determining health planning as well as in health promotion activities;

c) it reviews significant changes made to the health organization in the Canton;

d) it identifies deficiencies in the health network, as well as unmet needs, and, if necessary, submits proposals to the Department of Health and Social Affairs to address these issues.

1 The Council is composed of nine to eleven members representing the following sectors

a) healthcare providers;

b) users;

c) civil society;

d) insurers;

e) the school health service.

2 The members of the Council are appointed by the Government for the legislature.

3 Unless they are members, the head of the Department of Health and Social Affairs and the head of the Health Service are invited to the Council meetings, where they sit with an advisory vote.

4 With the agreement of the head of the Department of Health and Social Affairs, the Council may invite employees of the cantonal administration, experts, or representatives of associations to its meetings, where they sit with an advisory vote.

1 The Council organizes itself; it appoints its president and vice-president for the term.

2 The Secretariat is provided by the Health Service.

1 The Council meets at least twice a year, and whenever the Government, the head of the Department of Health and Social Affairs, or one third of its members request it.

2 The expenses incurred by the activities of the Council are charged to the budget of the Health Service.

3 For its work, the Council may utilize the services of the cantonal administration.

4 It produces an annual report.

5 It establishes its own regulations.

1 This law is subject to an optional referendum.

2 The Government determines its entry into force.