This bill establishes the office of the surgeon general within the Louisiana Department of Health, detailing its purpose, duties, and functions. The surgeon general will be appointed by the governor with Senate consent and will serve as the state health officer, responsible for providing medical guidance and recommendations to the department and the governor. The bill outlines that the surgeon general must be a licensed and practicing physician in Louisiana and will oversee the office's functions, which include collecting health data, promoting public health, and coordinating healthcare initiatives across various agencies.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to reflect the creation of the surgeon general's office, including changes to the definitions of the state health officer and the roles within the Louisiana Department of Health. It specifies that the surgeon general will not receive additional state salary beyond what is fixed by the governor and approved by the legislature. The bill also includes an exception in ethics provisions for the surgeon general and mandates an annual report to be submitted to the governor and legislature regarding healthcare priorities and initiatives. The act will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for bills to become law without a signature.

Statutes affected:
HB853 Original: 36:251(C)(1), 36:252(A), 36:257(A), 40:1
HB853 Engrossed: 36:251(C)(1), 36:252(A), 36:257(A), 40:1
HB853 Reengrossed: 36:251(C)(1), 36:252(A), 36:257(A), 40:1
HB853 Enrolled: 36:251(C)(1), 36:252(A), 36:257(A), 40:1
HB853 Act 739: 36:251(C)(1), 36:252(A), 36:257(A), 40:1