31-2A-2. Department of Public Health created; transfer of powers, functions, and duties; commissioner; divisions.

There is created a Department of Public Health. The powers, functions, and duties of the Division of Public Health and the Office of Health Improvement of the Department of Community Health as they existed on June 30, 2011, unless otherwise provided in this Act, are transferred to the Department of Public Health effective July 1, 2011.#

There is created the position of commissioner of public health. The commissioner shall be the chief administrative officer of the department and be both appointed and removed by the Governor. Subject to the general policy established by the board, the commissioner shall supervise, direct, account for, organize, plan, administer, and execute the functions vested in the department.#

There shall be created in the department such divisions as may be found necessary for its effective operation. The commissioner shall have the power to allocate and reallocate functions among the divisions within the department.#