Pennsylvania Act 1907-157 — TUBERCULOSIS SANITORIA PROVIDED FOR

Act text

TUBERCULOSIS SANITORIA PROVIDED FOR
                  Act of May 14, 1907, P.L. 197, No. 157              Cl. 35
                                  AN ACT

     To provide for the establishing and maintenance of one or more
        sanatoria or colonies, in Pennsylvania, for the free care and
        treatment of persons suffering or suspected of suffering from
        tuberculosis, and making an appropriation therefor. (Title
        amended Apr. 6, 1956 (1955), P.L.1435, No.470)

        Whereas, Tuberculosis by its widespread distribution
     throughout this Commonwealth is causing untold suffering and
     distress, is affecting the health and prosperity of our
     citizens, is draining the resources of individuals, and causing
     an appalling waste of human life; and
        Whereas, Modern science has demonstrated the possibility of
     minimizing this disease by measures of education, sanitary
     supervision, isolation, and early medical treatment; and
        Whereas, The Department of Health has one physician in each
     of sixty-six counties of the State, and is about to authorize a
     sufficient number of health officers to see that the present
     health laws, under the rules and regulations adopted by the
     Department of Health, are carried out, and thereby care for
     those suffering from communicable diseases which are not now
     cared for by the hospitals of this Commonwealth; and
        Whereas, The Department, with a sufficient appropriation and
     its present equipment, will establish dispensaries for the free
     treatment of indigent persons affected with tuberculosis, for
     the dissemination of knowledge relating to the prevention and
     cure of tuberculosis, and for the study of social and
     occupational conditions that predispose to its development; and
        Whereas, There are always thousands of indigent people in
     this Commonwealth who have contracted tuberculosis, whose homes,
     lodging-places, and means will not permit them to take advantage
     of the advice and education dispensed by the Department of
     Health, as outlined above; therefore,--
        Section 1.  Be it enacted, &c., That one or more sanatoria or
     colonies be established in the State, for the reception and
     treatment of persons affected or suspected of being affected
     with tuberculosis, and removed from their families and people at
     large to prevent the spread of contagion.
        For these purposes the Department of Health, with the
     approval of the Governor, shall be authorized to acquire
     property, erect buildings, equip the same, and do all things
     necessary to accomplish such work, for the best interests of the
     people of this Commonwealth, in curing and preventing
     tuberculosis.
        (1 amended Apr. 6, 1956 (1955), P.L.1435, No.470)
        Section 2.  Be it further enacted, that, should the
     Department of Health and the Governor select one or two tracts
     of land, of not over five hundred acres each, within the
     boundaries of the State forestry reservations, that said land be
     set aside for such purpose.
        For the purposes specified in this act, the sum of six
     hundred thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be
     necessary, is hereby specifically appropriated, for the two
     fiscal years beginning June one, one thousand nine hundred and
     seven.