Changes in Legislation to the Public Health Act 2005

The Public Health Act 2005 (Public Health Water Risk Management Amendment Act 2016) was recently amended to establish a legislative framework to:

• Improve the management and control of health risks associated with the supply and use of water in hospitals and residential aged care facilities (in particular health risks associated with Legionella bacteria)
• Provide for greater public transparency of water testing activities being undertaken by these facilities.

The requirements will initially apply to:

• Queensland Health hospitals with inpatients
• Queensland Health operated residential aged care facilities
• Private health facilities, including private hospitals, licensed under the Private Health Facilities Act 1999.
• Facility Managers should keep up to date with the Queensland Health website for updates.