HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Memphis Code of Ordinances tit. 9, ch. 9-4

in effect

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-4-1 Establishment and control.

Sec. 9-4-1. - Establishment and control. A. There is established a department of health which shall be known as the Memphis and Shelby County health department and which shall be under the general supervision and control of the health officer. B. The health officer shall have administrative control over all books, records, policies, programs, budgets, employees and property of the health department. (Code 1967, § 32-1; Code 1985, § 16-1)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-4-2 General duties of health department.

Sec. 9-4-2. - General duties of health department. It shall be the duty of the department of health to carry out the laws of the state and ordinances of the city in relation to public health and sanitation, together with its own regulations governing these subjects. (Code 1967, § 32-2; Code 1985, § 16-2)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-4-3 Appointment and qualifications of health officer.

Sec. 9-4-3. - Appointment and qualifications of health officer. The health officer shall be appointed jointly by the city mayor and the county mayor. The health officer shall be licensed by the state licensing board for the healing arts to practice in the state and shall be trained and experienced in public health administration. (Code 1967, § 32-3; Code 1985, § 16-3)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-4-4 Bureaus, divisions and other administrative units of health department.

Sec. 9-4-4. - Bureaus, divisions and other administrative units of health department. The health officer shall have the authority to establish such bureaus, divisions, services, or other administrative units as deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the health department. The health officer shall appoint the administrative head of each of the administrative units so established, and it shall be his or her duty to prescribe the work to be performed by each such unit. (Code 1967, § 32-4; Code 1985, § 16-4)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-4-5 Appointment, removal and salaries of health department personnel.

Sec. 9-4-5. - Appointment, removal and salaries of health department personnel. It shall be the duty of the health officer to appoint, from time to time, subject to the merit system of the health department, such physicians, engineers, bacteriologists, chemists, veterinarians, dentists, nurses, environmentalists, technicians, machine operators, statisticians, skilled workmen, stenographers, clerks and other employees as may be necessary to efficiently operate the health department and to safeguard and preserve the health of the people of the city. Such personnel shall be subject to removal by the health officer for cause, as provided by the rules and regulations of the merit system of the health department. The salaries of personnel of the health department shall be fixed by the health officer and shall be in accordance with the rules and regulations of the merit system. (Code 1967, § 32-5; Code 1985, § 16-5)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-4-6 Health officer to establish rules and regulations for conduct of health department and prescribe duties of department employees.

Sec. 9-4-6. - Health officer to establish rules and regulations for conduct of health department and prescribe duties of department employees. The health officer shall have power and authority, and it shall be his or her duty, to establish and enforce all necessary rules and regulations for the government of the health department and prescribe the duties of all employees of the health department. (Code 1967, § 32-6; Code 1985, § 16-6)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-4-7 Health officer may delegate authority and responsibilities.

Sec. 9-4-7. - Health officer may delegate authority and responsibilities. The health officer is empowered to delegate the authority and responsibilities assigned to him or her by this code to such duly authorized employees and representatives of the health department as he or she may see fit and appropriate. (Code 1967, § 32-7; Code 1985, § 16-7)

Memphis Code of Ordinances § 9-4-8 Right of entry of health department personnel.

Sec. 9-4-8. - Right of entry of health department personnel. For the purpose of carrying out the requirements of this title and other laws and ordinances relating to public health and sanitation; and the regulations of the health department, the health officer and his or her authorized representatives, including engineers, assistants, environmentalists and other employees, shall be permitted at all reasonable times to enter into any manufacturing plants, business buildings or other buildings, and all lots, grounds and premises, in order to thoroughly examine any items in relation to public health and sanitation and other conditions thereon and therein. (Code 1967, § 32-36; Code 1985, § 16-31; Ord. No. 1227, § 1, 4-4-1972)

Source: City of Memphis, Code of Ordinances and Charter and Related Laws (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT9HESA_CH9-4HEDEFetched: 10/28/2026