Guides & Resources
Our resource library supports Massachusetts Boards of Health by offering practical tools and insights to address public health challenges and foster healthier communities through informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Guides for Boards of Health
Explore our comprehensive guides designed to help boards of health navigate complex regulations and implement best practices effectively.
Navigating Health Regulations
Our guides provide information to ensure compliance with state and local laws, helping you maintain public health standards.
MAHB SAPHE 2.0 Guidance Document
This information is being provided for educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice.
MAHB Guidance on the Implementation of Foundational Public Health Services In Compliance With G.L. c. 111 §27D, As Amended March 12, 2025
This information is being provided for educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice.
Massachusetts Board of Health Guidebook
Laws pertaining to the Governance, Authority, and Responsibilities of Massachusetts Boards of Health
MAHB membership is required to access this resource.
Duties of Boards of Health
This document contains a list of duties and responsibilities of local boards of health in Massachusetts.
Public Health in Our Town
Urgent Needs, Shrinking Resources
Manual of Laws
Manual of Laws and Regulations Relating to Boards of Health
Curated Resources
Resources for Health Boards
Our platform offers a wide array of resources tailored to the needs of Massachusetts Boards of Health. These resources are crucial in supporting boards as they navigate their statutory duties, including disease prevention, health promotion, and environmental protection. By leveraging these materials, boards can enhance their operational efficiency and ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
Tobacco Resources
Synthetics Resources
- Northampton Board of Health Regulation Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale, and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Kratom Products and Unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products (PDF)
- Northampton Board of Health Regulation Prohibiting the Manufacturing, Sale, and Distribution of Synthetically Derived Cannabinoids, Kratom Products and Unregulated Novel Intoxicating Products (Docx)
- Final Model Regulation Template Synthetic Cannabinoids 5.16.25
- Draft Regulation Synthetic THC, Kratom, 5.16.25
Emerging Public Health Issues
Region 1 (New England) – Center for Public Health Preparedness and Response Weekly Briefings
Region 1 (New England) - Center for Public Health Preparedness and Response (R1-CPHPR) Weekly Briefings October 5, 2026 - Based upon information obtained from September 28 - October 5, 2026, 9:00 AM public sources only.[1] Region 1 briefing — September 28–October 5,...
CYCLOSPORA: WHAT RESIDENTS SHOULD KNOW
July 15, 2026 This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. For legal advice, please contact your municipal attorney. What is Cyclospora? Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic parasite that can cause an...
Protecting Older Adults from Fraud: A Growing Public Health Priority
Across Massachusetts and the nation, elder fraud is rapidly emerging as a major public health threat—one that extends far beyond financial loss. Increasingly sophisticated online scams are targeting older adults, resulting not only in stolen savings, but also in...
Guidance: Liability Protection for Negligent Acts or Omissions of Public Health Nurses (PHNs)
EXCERPT: A. Generally: a. Public Health Nurses (PHNs) are protected from legal liability for any negligent act or failure to act related to their duties and responsibilities. b. Public Employers, including the Commonwealth, cities and towns (municipalities), counties...
MAHB Comments on DEP/DOER Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Guidance
MAHB submits recommendations to state agencies on the regulation, siting, and public health considerations of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Links
General
- Massachusetts DPH
- DPH Food Protection Program
- The Foodborne Illness Investigation and Control Reference Manual: A comprehensive guide to foodborne illness surveillance, epidemiologic and environmental investigation, and control.
- Office of Patient Protection : OPP can assist with resolving issues around claims, benefits, and denials of care, they administer the external appeal process and can provide help and guidance on filing a request for external review
- Massachusetts DEP
- DEP Title 5
- Massachusetts General Laws
- State Ethics Commission Educational Materials
Doctors and Acupuncturists Information
- Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation
- Board of Registration in Medicine
- Division of Professional Licensure
Non Profit Organizations
- Massachusetts Public Health Association
- Public Health Museum
- Mass. Health Officers Association
- Mass Association of Public Health Nurses (MAPHN)
- Easter Seals Massachusetts
- Mass Audubon Society
- Partnership for Heart Healthy Stroke-Free Massachusetts
National Links
- Health Guide USA
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Healthy People 2010
- National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH)
- FDA Tobacco Resources
- U.S. EPA
- US EPA Region 1
- World Health News Digest (Harvard School of Public Health)
- World Health Organization
Our Mission and Commitment
The Massachusetts Association of Health Boards (MAHB) is dedicated to empowering local health boards by providing essential resources, education, and advocacy. Our mission is to ensure that boards of health have the tools they need to effectively manage public health responsibilities, from disease prevention to environmental protection. We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where health boards can thrive and make a significant impact on community well-being.
Since our inception, MAHB has been at the forefront of supporting Massachusetts boards of health. We offer a range of programs designed to enhance the capabilities of health officials, ensuring they are well-equipped to address the diverse challenges of public health. Our commitment extends to providing technical assistance, facilitating educational opportunities, and advocating for policies that benefit public health across the state.
Our Services
Explore the comprehensive services we offer to support health boards in Massachusetts.
Educational Workshops
Our educational workshops provide health board members with transformative learning experiences designed to enhance their skills, build confidence, and foster collaboration in addressing public health challenges across Massachusetts.
Programs
Our programs enhance local health boards' effectiveness by providing innovative tools and essential resources to support public health initiatives and improve community well-being in Massachusetts.
Guides & Resources
At MAHB, we create customized guides resources that enable Boards of Health to effectively navigate the changing public health landscape and promote community well-being across Massachusetts.
Technical Assistance
We provide essential technical assistance to local health boards to empower them in effectively tackling public health challenges, offering expert guidance and support that enhances community health management and fosters innovative solutions.