FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH 

INSPECTIONAL SERVICES DIVISION

 

In case of an emergency, for example when the electricity goes out, what should I do about my food?

 

The United States Food Safety and Inspection Service has a website to answer all of your questions.  Click here to go to the website.
 

Where are you located?   What is your address, telephone number, and or/fax number?

 

The Health Department is located in the Memorial Building at 150 Concord Street, (Rte 126), Room 221.  The telephone number is 508-620-4827, and the fax number is 508-620-4833.

 

What nursing services can I get from the Department of Public Health?

 

During Clinic Hours, you may get immunizations as appropriate, BP monitoring, and lead tests for children six years and under.  Most vaccinations are available, and are free to Framingham residents.  Hepatitis B shots and TB tests are offered under special circumstances.  The nurse will need to determine if you are in need of either of these.  We do not give TB tests for employment only.

 

Do I need an appointment to have vaccinations?

 

No, Framingham residents, children and adults, may come to our clinics, which are M-F 8:30AM to 9:30AM and 4”00PM to 4:45PM.  A nurse is also available on Monday evening from 6:00PM to 8:00PM.  If these are for a person under 18 years of age, they need a vaccine request form from the school, and must be accompanied by a parent or relative.   If you are not a resident of the town, you would need a doctor’s order, and fees would be involved.

 

Can I get a copy of my immunization record?

 

It will be possible if you had the immunizations in this department. You will need to make your request (in writing) in person at our office due to new Federal Information laws (HIPPA).
 

Can I get a copy of a birth certificate / death certificate?

 

No, you need to contact the Town Clerk for copies of those documents.  Their number is 508-620-4863.

 

What do I need to get a license for a restaurant or convenience store?

 

The Department of Public Health oversees the licensing process for over 20 different permits, each with different requirements.  We could send you a packet of information to look over, and when you are ready to talk to an inspector, call this office either in the morning between 8:30AM and 9:30AM, or in the afternoon between 4:00PM and 5:00PM.  They will then be able to answer specific questions about your situation.

 

When does the landlord have to turn on the heat?  What are the temperature requirements?

 

The heat must be turned on by 9/15 thru 6/15.  It has to be maintained at 68 degrees F from 7AM until 11PM and at least 64 degrees F from 11PM until 6:59AM.

 

Does my landlord need to provide air conditioning?

 

No, they do not have to unless it specifically states so in your lease.

 

There is a dead crow / bird on my lawn, what do I do with it?

 

You must call the West Nile Virus Hotline at 1-800-627-7968.   They will assign it a case number or have you dispose of it.  If given a case number, call the Board of Health with your name, address, phone number, and where the bird is located, and we will have someone come to pick up the dead bird.

 

The mosquitoes are really bad in my neighborhood, what can I do?

 

Just leave your name and address, and tell us if you live near a body of water or swamp.  We will forward this information to the Mosquito Control Project.  They will test the area, and will determine if your area needs additional spraying to hold down the mosquito population.