Mission
To safeguard the public's health through
mandated disease interventions and enforcement of public
health laws.
Vision
Reduced rates of communicable diseases in Los Angeles
County.
Public Health Investigation
Public Health Investigation (PHI)
performs mandated functions of the Health Officer
primarily related to communicable disease intervention
and control.
The PHI discipline, as
it exists within Los Angeles County, is unique within
the State of California, and even the nation.
Although positions bearing similar titles appear in
other health jurisdictions, they are limited in scope of
responsibility and are usually associated with either
the control of sexually transmitted diseases or
tuberculosis and they usually have no enforcement
responsibilities.
The PHI discipline is the
investigative and enforcement arm of the County of Los
Angeles, Department of Public Health. Its
functions are diversified and are performed by a staff
knowledgeable in investigation, law enforcement, legal
procedure, public relations, and interviewing
techniques. PHI is charged with the responsibility
of and resolving the more difficult or unusual cases
that arise within public health. This includes
locating infected and communicable patients who have
been lost to follow up. When necessary, PHI is
required to take legal action to gain the compliance of
recalcitrant patients who present a threat to the health
of the public. Public Health Investigation units
are located in Public Health Centers and major Public
Health Programs. PHIs assigned to these offices
work at the community level to identify infected persons
and bring them to examination and treatment. This
activity is crucial for the effective control of
communicable disease.
