FAQs

We offer immunizations for both children and adults. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Please call (317) 346-4368 for an appointment.

The cost of immunizations depends upon insurance eligibility. Please call the nursing division for pricing. (All children 0-18 years of age enrolled in Medicaid will receive vaccines at no cost).

TB skin tests will be offered Tuesdays from 8:30 am to 3 pm, and must be read the following Thursday between the hours of 8:30 am to 3 pm. At that time, we will give documentation of the result. The office is closed for all government holidays. Pricing is subject to change. Please call (317) 346-4368 for current pricing. Please be advised that if paying by credit card, your card will be charged an additional convenience fee which will vary based on the amount charged.

No, please refer to your physician.

No, we have no way of confirming your social security card number since the federal government assigns the number; not the county.

Only if you were born in Johnson County can you get a birth certificate from the Johnson County Health Department. The Health Department has records for persons born in the county, not necessarily for persons living in the county. Please be advised that the only hospital in Johnson County is Johnson Memorial Hospital. If you were born at Community South Hospital or St. Francis Hospital, you were born in Marion County and therefore this office will not have your birth certificate. Persons born in another county/state have 2 choices: Contact the county health department where they were born or contact the state health department where they were born.

No, the Johnson County Health Department only issues birth records to the person on the certificate, the parents listed on the certificate (no issuance to step-parent), brother (if he has the same last name or was born in Johnson Co.), sister (if she was born in the county so that we can check parents’ names), spouse or grandparents.

No, we no longer offer the wallet size birth certificate.

Yes, you will first need to submit plans and a menu for our review and approval 30 days prior to planned opening. Only after you have obtained approval from all of the appropriate offices; planning and zoning, building, and fire, may you open.

No, food prepared in a private home may not be used or offered for human consumption in a retail food establishment.

You will need to obtain a temporary license to cook, hold and serve food in the parking lot. You will also need to register the event. You can obtain a temporary license application from this website.

You will first need to contact the event organizer and become part of the festival or fair. You will then need to obtain a temporary food permit.

Yes, you will need a permit for each location.

Under Indiana code 16-42-5-4, if you are an organization that has a state gross retail tax exemption [(501 (c)(3)], offers food to the final customer at an event held for the benefit of the organization, members of the organization prepare the food, and you do not conduct these events more than 15 days a calendar year, you may fill out an application and submit a copy of your state gross tax exemption to this department. If your organization does not have a state gross tax exemption you will need to obtain a temporary license.

Under Indiana code 16-42-5-4, if you are an organization that has a state gross retail tax exemption [(501 (c)(3)], offers food to the final customer at an event held for the benefit of the organization, members of the organization prepare the food, and you do not conduct these events more than 15 days a calendar year, you may fill out an application and submit a copy of your state gross tax exemption to this department. If your organization does not have a state gross tax exemption you will need to obtain a temporary license.

Only grilling of meat and chicken can be conducted at the event. A sandwich can be assembled or pizza can be cooked and sliced. All other food preparation such as chopping, mixing, or thawing shall occur in a licensed food establishment prior to the event.

The organizer is responsible for providing one location, at the event site, for the food vendors to obtain water for hand washing and wash, rinse, and sanitize of all food contact surfaces.

This facility must consist of at least running water, soap, paper towels, a discard bucket and trash can. If a sink is not available, a large thermos or container in which water is held for dispensing for hand washing can be used. The container must have a spout that allows the water to remain running without holding or pushing it. A container twice the size of the water container needs to be placed under the water container to catch the wastewater.

Hand sanitizer is not a substitute for hand washing. You must provide hand washing stations as described in section 427 guidelines. The stations are rented from the portable toilet companies.

Roots from trees and shrubs can invade and plug sewer lines. Wastewater effluent is full of plant nutrients including nitrogen and phosphorus. Roots are attracted to leaking septic tanks and to absorption fields to obtain these nutrients. Roots can seriously damage septic tanks and distribution pipes resulting in significant repair costs. If you do have trees near your soil absorption field, they should be as far away as possible from the entry point of effluent to the drain field. Trees should be planted at least as far away as their estimated root spread at maturity. One way to estimate this is by the ultimate height of the mature tree. For example, a weeping cherry may be expected to grow about 25 feet tall, and should be planted a minimum of 25 feet away from the drain field. A mature oak might need to be 60 or 70 feet away. While trees do remove a significant amount of water from the area, avoid planting water-loving trees such as willow and poplar near the soil absorption field. If you are willing to risk some root intrusion, non-aggressive species can be placed near to the drain field (although closer than 10 feet is not recommended). Although the root spread of non-aggressive species trees may eventually encompass a portion of the drain field, the roots are not likely to cause serious damage to the distribution lines because the lines are surrounded by gravel. Still, the potential for damage to the system exists.

We do not specifically test for mold but we do provide inspections of your home or business to help determine the quality of the air and solutions for fixing troubling issues.

The service is free to residents of Johnson County.

Contaminants such as carbon monoxide, sewer gas, natural gas, radon, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde are just a few things that can affect air quality. The JCHD has the ability to test for all of these issues. Further information regarding radon, testing, and rental properties: Radon Testing at Home: A Landlord’s Guide.

As a general rule, open burning is not allowed in Johnson County, however, the JCHD can address this problem on a case by case basis.

No, we have no way of confirming your social security card number since the federal government assigns the number; not the county.

Only if you were born in Johnson County can you get a birth certificate from the Johnson County Health Department. The Health Department has records for persons born in the county, not necessarily for persons living in the county. Please be advised that the only hospital in Johnson County is Johnson Memorial Hospital. If you were born at Community South Hospital or St. Francis Hospital, you were born in Marion County and therefore this office will not have your birth certificate. Persons born in another county/state have 2 choices: Contact the county health department where they were born or contact the state health department where they were born.

No, the Johnson County Health Department only issues birth records to the person on the certificate, the parents listed on the certificate (no issuance to step-parent), brother (if he has the same last name or was born in Johnson Co.), sister (if she was born in the county so that we can check parents’ names), spouse or grandparents.

No, we no longer offer the wallet size birth certificate.

As a rule, tanks should be checked for solids buildup every year and pumped every three years to five years, more often if you have a garbage disposal. It is best not to wait until the plumbing system begins to back up in your home. If solids overflow from the tank, some very expensive damage can be done to the soil absorption system.

In practice, however, how often solids should be removed depends on the lifestyle of the family using the system and the size of the tank. For example, a garbage disposal can result in a rapid buildup of solids. Many homeowners have installed risers with child-proof caps on their tanks to simplify removal of solids and they routinely have their tanks cleaned every three to five years.

When choosing a company to remove solids from your tank, ask if they thoroughly clean the tank and remove all solids. It is not very useful to just pump the liquids without removing the solids from the tank. Reputable companies flush removed liquids back into the tank to thoroughly agitate and remove settled solids. In addition, they check the baffles on the tank to make sure they are functional and clean the tank’s effluent filter (if installed).

If your tank has an effluent filter installed, inspect it via the riser every 6-12 months for fouling. If buildup on the filter becomes substantial, have the tank cleaned. A properly functioning tank effluent filter protects the soil absorption field much more effectively than a baffle. If your tank does not currently have one, consider installing one the next time you have your tank cleaned.

Soil is the most expensive and important part of the septic system. As such, a homeowner should protect the soil absorption field before and after installation.

All Indiana septic systems must discharge into the soil. For soils to be suitable for a septic system soil absorption field, they must not be compacted. Compaction reduces the ability of a soil to disperse and treat wastewater effluent and can lead to system failure, and a costly repair. The more natural and undisturbed the soil on your lot, the better your septic system is likely to perform. Do not put any structure on top of or 50 feet downslope of the soil absorption field either. It is also a good idea to maintain another area on the lot for another soil absorption field in case the system fails.

If the system has been properly sited, designed and installed, the rest is up to you, the homeowner to see to the maintenance.

In addition to routinely having solids removed from the septic tank, the soil absorption system can be damaged by excess water wastage in the home, exceeding the soil’s ability to absorb it. Either situation can result in long-term damage to the system.

Homeowners with septic systems must also be more careful about what they flush down the drain than their urban neighbors. Never pour substances such as motor oil, gasoline, paints, thinners, or pesticides down the drain. These materials pollute the groundwater and are often toxic to the organisms in your tank and soil that breakdown your wastewater. Likewise, fats, grease, coffee grounds, paper towels, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and other such items can clog your septic system. Moderate use of household cleaners, disinfectants, detergents, or bleaches do little harm to the system, but avoid excess use.

Many septic systems in Indiana last 20 years or more. On the other hand, if the system is not properly sited, designed, installed and maintained, it may have a life of only a few months or years, and be very difficult and expensive to repair or replace. Septic system failure can also result in a public health and water quality threat. Consequently, there are regulations in place at both the county and state level in Indiana that are intended to minimize septic system failures.

If you have a septic system problem, you should contact the county health department. They should have a list of specialists who work in your county. You can also check the Indiana Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association. This organization lists the contact information of professionals throughout the state.

Roots from trees and shrubs can invade and plug sewer lines. Wastewater effluent is full of plant nutrients including nitrogen and phosphorus. Roots are attracted to leaking septic tanks and to absorption fields to obtain these nutrients. Roots can seriously damage septic tanks and distribution pipes resulting in significant repair costs.

If you do have trees near your soil absorption field, they should be as far away as possible from the entry point of effluent to the drain field. Trees should be planted at least as far away as their estimated root spread at maturity. One way to estimate this is by the ultimate height of the mature tree. For example, a weeping cherry may be expected to grow about 25 feet tall, and should be planted a minimum of 25 feet away from the drain field. A mature oak might need to be 60 or 70 feet away.

While trees do remove a significant amount of water from the area, avoid planting water-loving trees such as willow and poplar near the soil absorption field. If you are willing to risk some root intrusion, non-aggressive species can be placed near to the drain field (although closer than 10 feet is not recommended). Although the root spread of non-aggressive species trees may eventually encompass a portion of the drain field, the roots are not likely to cause serious damage to the distribution lines because the lines are surrounded by gravel. Still, the potential for damage to the system exists.

* Adapted from a Purdue publication.

For more information, contact Randy Pease at (317) 346-4371 or rpease@co.johnson.in.us.

Indiana State code requires that you submit one (1) sample per week whenever your pool is open. A separate sample is required for each individual pool or spa.

Johnson County has adopted the Indiana State Department of Health Swimming Pool Rule 410 IAC 6-2.1 for public and semi-public swimming pool maintenance and operation.

Construction code standards for all swimming pools, spas and residential pools can be found in Pool Construction Code 675 IAC 20.

No. Swimming Pool & Spa Rule 410 IAC 6-2.1 does not apply to any pool, constructed at a one (1) or two (2) family dwelling, and maintained by an individual for the sole use of the household and house guests.

Yes, the Johnson County Health Department requires an annual license be obtained for public and semi-public pools operating in the county. This includes indoor and outdoor pools which operate annually or seasonally. There is a fee which is based on length of operation (waived for not-for-profit operations). Licenses are renewed May 31st of each year.

Contact the Johnson County Health Department at (317) 346-4365 and speak to an Environmental Health Specialist working in the swimming pool program. Every newly constructed pool must first submit plans for review and then pass an on-site field inspection. After the construction review, you may then request an application for an annual license. The completed form must be submitted with the required fee.

Yes, public and semi-public pools and spas are routinely inspected by Environmental staff members of the Johnson County Health Department.

Swimming pools, spas, and beaches must maintain operating and sanitation standards as set-forth in the Indiana State Department of Health Swimming Pool Rule, 410 IAC 6-2.1.

A pool shall be closed when any of the following occurs:

– (1) Failure to meet bacteriological requirements of section 31(f) of this rule. (Pools must test weekly for bacteriological contamination.)
– (2) Failure to meet disinfectant concentrations of section 30(b) of this rule. (Pools must maintain specific concentrations of disinfectant.)
– (3) Failure to meet the water clarity requirements of section 31(a) of this rule. (Cloudy or discolored water may obscure the bottom.)
– (4) The grate on the main drain is missing or broken. (This is potential for suction-entrapment accidents.)
– (5) Failure to meet lifeguard requirements of section 35 of this rule.
– (6) A pump, filter, or disinfectant feeder is nonoperational.
– (7) A nonsolid fecal accident occurs.
– (8) The spa water temperature exceeds one hundred four (104) degrees Fahrenheit.

It is a state law requirement that each pool or beach submit a water sample to a Indiana State Certified laboratory the week prior to opening and then for every week it is open. The owner/manager of each pool shall arrange for the collection and examination of each weekly sample. Johnson County has arranged for a cooperative group collection at several sites. If you are interested, call the Johnson County Health Department for information: (317) 346-4365.

Johnson County Environmental staff members conduct three to four pool operator classes each year in early spring (April and May). Classes last 2 ½ hours and cover general pool operation and disinfectant requirements. Classes are free of charge. It is highly recommended, however, that each pool have a nationally recognized Certified Pool Operator on staff.

The water temperature in spas may not exceed one hundred four (104) degrees Fahrenheit. There are no legal requirements to maintain pools at comfortable swimming temperatures. Swimmers should avoid or use great care when swimming in cold water.

Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI) varies in type and severity. Gastrointestinal illnesses such as Cryprosporidium, Shigella, E. coli and Norovirus occur in pools and spas each year. Respiratory infections such as Legionella, Pontiac Fever are common. Skin, ear and eye infections caused by Pseudomonas, Staph and Bacillus are also frequently associated with pools. Additional information on RWIs can be found on CDCs web site.

Yes. 410 IAC 6-2.1-35 states that “A qualified lifeguard is required for all semi-public pools with a surface area of two thousand (2,000) square feet or more. Lifeguards must be on duty at poolside at all times when the pools are open for use.”

The rule addresses two specific types of fecal accidents: solid and nonsolid. Specific procedures are outlined that detail appropriate steps to take for each type of incident and differ because of varying degrees of contamination. Those procedures are further based on the assumption that the accident is discovered quickly. This instance poses a unique situation that must be handled differently than specifically detailed in the rule.

A solid formed stool, discovered and removed quickly after the accident, has little time to shed significant numbers of disease producing organisms into the pool water. When the fecal material has the opportunity to remain in the pool for an extended period of time, the material will be eroded, dispersed throughout the pool and will lodge in the filter media where it will continue to shed organisms. To assure the greatest level of protection for the bather, incidents of this type should be handled as though the accident was nonsolid. The pool should be closed and the nonsolid stool procedures followed.

There are two questions to consider. One; How old are the reagents in the test kit? Reagents have a shelf life that is affected by environmental factors such as heat, light and humidity. If the reagents, or the test kit itself, are stored in an area subject to wide changes in temperature, sunlight and humidity, the shelf life will be compromised. Test kits and reagents should be stored in a cabinet where these environmental factors are more easily controlled.

The second question to ask is what is the alkalinity of the pool water? Total Alkalinity is a measure of the pH buffering capacity, or the water’s resistance to a change in pH. Maintaining proper alkalinity is important to the life expectancy of the pool, because a low total alkalinity can result in highly corrosive water that will damage metal surfaces. Total alkalinity must be at least 80 parts per million (ppm). It is generally accepted that pool water should be maintained between 100 and 150 ppm of total alkalinity.

1. pH and disinfectant residuals daily before the pool is open for use and at least one other time during the hours of pool use.
2. Combined chlorine at least twice a week when chlorine is used.
3. Total alkalinity at least once a week.
4. Cyanuric acid, when it is used, at least once a week.

Yes. 410 IAC 6-2.1-17 defines a “Semi-public pool” as “any pool that is intended to be used for swimming or bathing and is operated solely for and in conjunction with:

1. Schools, universities, and colleges;
2. Hotels, motels, apartments, condominiums, bed and breakfasts, or similar lodgings;
3. Camps or mobile home parks; or
4. Membership clubs or associations.”