This bill proposes significant amendments to the Code of West Virginia, primarily focusing on the roles and responsibilities of the Secretary of the Department of Health, the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health, and the State Health Officer. A key change is the replacement of the title "Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health" with "State Health Officer," emphasizing the latter's position as the chief medical officer of the state. The bill introduces new provisions that empower the State Health Officer to delegate duties, accept gifts for public health purposes, and establish a state hygienic laboratory. Additionally, it updates the composition of the State Emergency Response Commission to include the State Health Officer and mandates the creation of a Center for Local Public Health to enhance public health services.

Furthermore, the bill addresses various public health initiatives, including the management of public water systems and the oversight of emergency medical services. It transfers authority from the commissioner to the State Health Officer regarding public water safety regulations, requiring public water utilities to develop source water protection plans and ensuring compliance with safety standards. The bill also establishes certification standards for emergency medical personnel and outlines the responsibilities of local health officers in enforcing public health laws. Overall, the proposed amendments aim to streamline public health governance, improve health service delivery, and enhance the state's response to public health challenges.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-14-3, 15-5A-4, 16-1-6, 16-1-7, 16-1-8, 16-1-9, 16-1-9a, 16-1-9c, 16-1-15, 16-1-17, 16-2-5, 16-2-11, 16-2-12, 16-2-13, 16-3-5, 16-3C-2, 16-3C-8, 16-3D-2, 16-3D-3, 16-3D-4, 16-3D-7, 16-3D-9, 16-4C-2, 16-4C-3, 16-4C-4, 16-4C-5, 16-4C-6a, 16-4C-6b, 16-4C-8, 16-4C-8a, 16-4C-9, 16-4C-12, 16-4C-13, 16-4C-14, 16-4C-15, 16-4C-16, 16-4C-20, 16-4C-21, 16-4C-23, 16-4E-2, 16-5-5, 16-5-11, 16-5-22, 16-5M-3, 16-5U-3, 16-9-2, 16-9-3, 16-9G-1, 16-22-2, 16-22-3, 16-32-11, 16-38-5, 16-40-2, 16-40-4, 16-40-5, 16-40-6, 16-40-7, 16-40-8, 16-41-3, 16-44-2, 16-56-4, 16A-11-1, 16A-11-2, 22B-2-1, 22C-1-4, 61-12-3