This bill aims to amend the qualifications for the State Health Officer, the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health, and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Senior Services in West Virginia. Specifically, it removes the requirement for the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health to hold a doctorate degree, replacing it with a requirement of five years of experience in public health administration. Additionally, the bill modifies the language regarding the engagement in other occupations, stating that both the Commissioner and the State Health Officer may not engage in any business or employment that conflicts with their duties, rather than requiring them to serve full-time in their roles.

For the Commissioner of the Bureau of Senior Services, the bill similarly changes the language to indicate that the commissioner may not engage in any business or employment inconsistent with their duties, rather than devoting their entire time to the office. The bill also emphasizes the importance of selecting a commissioner with relevant training and experience in senior issues. Overall, these changes are intended to attract and retain high-quality talent for these critical public health and senior services positions in the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-1-5, 16-5P-4