Louisiana § RS 36:254.4 - Surgeon general; office of the surgeon general; functions

§ RS 36:254.4. Surgeon general; office of the surgeon general; functions

            A. There shall be a surgeon general within the Louisiana Department of Health, office of the surgeon general, who shall be appointed by the governor with consent from the state Senate and who shall serve at the pleasure of the governor at a salary fixed by the governor, which salary shall not exceed the amount approved for such position by the legislature while in session.

            B. The surgeon general shall be a licensed and practicing physician in this state and shall continue to be so qualified during the term of office. The surgeon general shall be an employee of the Louisiana Department of Health.

            C. The surgeon general shall serve as the chief medical officer of the Louisiana Department of Health and the state's leading advocate for wellness and disease prevention. The surgeon general shall serve as the state health officer.

            D. The surgeon general shall have the responsibility to provide medical and clinical guidance and recommendations to the department, as well as directly to the governor when requested. The surgeon general shall perform the functions provided in this Title under the general control and supervision of the governor.

            E. The surgeon general shall direct and be responsible for the functions of the office of the surgeon general within the Louisiana Department of Health.

            F. The duties and functions of the surgeon general and the office of the surgeon general shall be in accordance with the provisions of this Section, and these functions and duties shall not be subject to change by the secretary.

            G. The office of the surgeon general in the Louisiana Department of Health shall carry out its purpose as provided in R.S. 36:258 and the duties and functions provided in this Section. The office of the surgeon general shall do all of the following:

            (1) Collect, manage, and analyze health data and statistics to formulate public health policy and planning for this state.

            (2) Promote the health of all residents and visitors in this state.

            (3) Coordinate with other agencies, offices, medical schools, boards, commissions, task forces, and other associations on healthcare initiatives for this state.

            (4) Provide an annual report to the governor, legislature, and secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health, recommending priorities and initiatives for improving healthcare provisions and outcomes for all residents of this state, across all populations and age groups. The office of the surgeon general shall provide such report no later than May first of each year, beginning May 1, 2025.

            Acts 2024, No. 739, §1, eff. June 19, 2024.