Board deputizes Bay State Public Health Training Hub to use Acushnet for inspections and training under local oversight

The Acushnet Board of Health voted to deputize the Bay State Public Health Training Hub and its trainees to perform training inspections in Acushnet under the town health agent’s authority and with prior notification to local officials.

An agency official explained the program is part of a state "public health excellence" grant administered by the Department of Public Health and that the grant funds shared services and training across a regional hub model. "It's like going back to college," the official said, describing classroom, online and in-field training for new and experienced health agents. The presenter emphasized the grant is state-funded and that "there's no cost to the town to bring in these folks for training."

Board members raised operational safeguards: trainers will only conduct inspections in Acushnet when the town’s health agent gives permission or accompanies trainees, the town will be notified when trainees will be present, and any significant out-of-compliance findings would involve the local health agent. The presenter said that inspections done for training could be used for official purposes only with the town health agent’s agreement.

The board moved and approved a motion to deputize the Bay State training hub to operate in Acushnet for training purposes under the town health agent’s oversight. The authorization is conditioned on communication with the health agent and notification to the board or chair when trainees engage in local inspections. The board said it will monitor the arrangement as the shared-service position is filled and training ramps up.