PHC: Bylaws and Rules of Order

Council purpose

The primary purpose of the Council is to inform and advise the Governor, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Wisconsin State Legislature, and people of Wisconsin on prioritized public health issues important to the needs and wants of the public in a manner that is equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the diversity of the State. This work will include attention and advice on the progress implementing the state’s public health plan and coordination of responses to public health emergencies.

The Council intends to be an action-oriented group that makes recommendations and decisions focusing on strategy and policy recommendations rather than tactics.

Council authority

The Public Health Council is created in Wis. Stat. § 15.197(13), as enacted by 2003 Wis. Act 186. The Council is attached to the Department of Health Services under Wis. Stat. § 15.197(13).

The Rules of Order and Procedure of the Public Health Council are intended to govern its organization and activities. It is the intent of the Council to operate at all times in conformity with applicable state laws and administrative rules. To the extent that any procedure is inconsistent with such laws or administrative rules, the procedure shall, to the extent of such inconsistency, be deemed invalid.

Membership and staffing responsibilities

The Council consists of 19 members, nominated by the Secretary of the Department of Health Services, and appointed for three-year terms by the Governor. The Council shall include a variety of representatives of:

(a) Health Care Consumers
(b) Health Care Providers
(c) Health Professions Educators
(d) Local Health Departments and Boards
(e) Federally Recognized American Indian Tribes
(f) Public Safety Agencies

See the members page for a complete list of current members.

The Office of Policy and Practice Alignment provides staff support to the Council.

Committees

The Council can create as disband committees as needed. Current committees include:

• Executive Committee,
• Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Advisory Committee
• Public Health Issues Committee
• Justice Equity and Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee
• Membership Committee

Rules of order and procedure

The rules of order and procedure were most recently revised in 2022.