Jurisdiction New York City Website www.nyc.gov/health | Key document New York City Charter | |
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Headquarters 42-09 28th St, Long Island City, NY Department executive Mary Bassett, Commissioner of Health and Mental Hygiene | ||
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is the department of the government of New York City responsible for public health along with issuing birth certificates, dog licenses, and conducting restaurant inspection and enforcement. The New York City Board of Health is part of the department. Its regulations are compiled in title 24 of the New York City Rules (the New York City Health Code). The current commissioner is Dr. Mary Bassett, MD, MPH.
Contents
History
The department was initially set up as the New York City Board of Health, which held its first meeting in 1805 to combat an outbreak of yellow fever. In 1866, the New York State legislature enacted a bill establishing the Metropolitan Board of Health, consisting of the four Police Commissioners, four Health Commissioners appointed by the Governor, and the Health Officer for the Port of New York. In 1870 the legislature replaced the Board of Health with the Department of Health, with additional responsibilities including street cleaning and sanitary permits.
As of December 1894, Charles G. Wilson was serving as President of the Board of Health.
As a result of its consolidation with the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Alcoholism Services, it was renamed the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on July 29, 2002.
In March 2016, the Department issued an advisory allowing dogs to accompany human diners at restaurants that have outdoor seating.
Organization
Board of Health
The New York City Board of Health is part of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and consists of the commissioner of the department, the chairperson of the department's Mental Hygiene Advisory Board, and nine other members appointed by the mayor.