Board told it cannot enact local shield protecting city employees; will post state shield materials and pursue outreach

Board members reported on a March 12 meeting with legal counsel about the mayor’s executive order on safe access to reproductive and gender‑affirming care and the state "shield law." Attorney Seewald told members the Board of Health does not have authority under the city charter to issue policy that binds city employees in the way a mayoral executive order can.

Why it matters: several board members and staff asked how the board might reinforce protections for patients and providers locally. Legal counsel’s guidance narrowed the board’s options but left several steps available for education and support.

Summary of legal guidance and board conclusions - Attorney Seewald clarified that the town charter prevents the board from directing how city employees perform their duties; an executive order from the mayor is the appropriate vehicle to direct city employees. - The board can, however, engage in other actions within its authority: publish guidance and resources for residents, encourage the mayor’s office to include the shield law in employee orientation, and consider a board proclamation or letter of support.

Next steps and staff tasks - Board members asked the Department of Health and Human Services to place the state shield‑law materials and the mayor’s executive order on the DHHS web pages and to highlight them for public access. - Members asked staff to coordinate with human resources about including the shield law in employee orientation and to consider a short public statement or proclamation from the board. Janet Grant and others offered to draft or co‑sponsor any outreach copy.

Ending: The board will follow up after staff confirms whether the shield‑law materials are already posted, and a board member agreed to meet again with the mayor about orientation and outreach.