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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	September 9, 2015 12:09 PM
From:	Representative Tim Briggs
To:	All House members
Subject:	Updating Regulations for Public Swimming and Bathing Places

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that will require the Department of Health to periodically update and promulgate regulations to be consistent with the Model Aquatic Health Code prepared by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Model Aquatic Health Code is the result of a workshop convened by the CDC to develop model regulations to reduce illness and injuries and improve safety at public pools, hot tubs and spas. The model code is intended to implement best practices and replace the patchwork of regulations that currently exists throughout multiple jurisdictions across the U.S. The Model Aquatic Health Code will be regularly updated at approximately two-year intervals while considering stakeholder input. Existing regulations for public swimming and bathing places in Pennsylvania have not been substantively updated since the 1970s. My legislation amends the Public Bathing Law to require the Department of Health to periodically update and promulgate regulations to be consistent with the Model Aquatic Health Code with respect to safety, preventive maintenance, health hazards, training and other areas as determined by the department. It is my hope that this will encourage the department and public swimming places throughout the Commonwealth to implement current and future best practices to ensure the safety of all patrons. Please join me in sponsoring this important legislation.

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