Bell County Board of Health

Thank you for your interest in our Board of Health! Volunteer board members play an integral role in promoting healthier communities. Boards of Health in the Commonwealth establishes the local public health tax rate, hires the local public health director, and collaborates with the director in the oversight of the local health department. 

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On behalf of the Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), the KDPH Commissioner appoints members to 118 of the 120 county or city-county boards of health (BOH) based on KRS 212.020 and KRS 212.640. The mayor and fiscal court appoint Fayette and Jefferson County board members, respectively. The composition of a district BOH must be in accordance with KRS 212.855. 

Professional members must maintain a current license in Kentucky in their respective profession. Nominees must reside in the county they will be serving. If professionals in the county are unwilling to serve, the Commissioner of Public Health may appoint a resident layperson to the vacancy.

Appointed members will be notified by the Local Health Department prior to January 1st of their term.

Email the Division of Administration and Financial Management’s (AFM) BOH inbox at LHDBoardofHealth@ky.gov with questions. This inbox receives a notification when nominations are submitted.

The KDPH will process nominations November 1 through November 30. The Commissioner will make a final appointment for any contested seats.

In December, KDPH will issue a letter(s) to the LHD Director with names of the newly appointed BOH members. The LHD Director will distribute the nomination letter(s).

  • Board of Health appointment terms are two years. There is no restriction on the number of terms, but each member’s term has an end date, and they must be re-nominated for a new term every two years. If a current BOH member fails to be re-nominated, they may lose the seat on the board.

    Even numbered years

    ·         physicians,

    ·         dentists,

    ·         pharmacists, and

    ·         fiscal court appointees

    Odd numbered years

    ·         nurses,

    ·         engineers,

    ·         optometrists,

    ·         veterinarians, and

    ·         laypersons 

  • Nominations are submitted online during the months of September and October. Online nomination submission must be made by November 1st.  The online nomination form may be found on the AFM website through the following link:

    GenLog - Detail page (ky.gov)