Bill Summaries: S601 (2021)

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  • Summary date: Apr 6 2021 - View summary

    Enacts Article 3E to GS Chapter 147 to provide the following. Establishes the position of NC Surgeon General, appointed by the Governor to serve a four-year term as the State's chief public health advocate. Provides for the term to run with the term of the Governor. Subjects the appointment to confirmation by the Senate beginning January 1, 2024. Allows for consecutive terms. Provides for the Surgeon General to report directly to the Governor, working closely with the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to ensure compliance with the DHHS strategic plans, policies, and implementation activities. Requires DHHS to provide adequate staffing and support to the position. Charges the Surgeon General with advising the Governor and the DHHS Secretary, and being a key spokesperson for the State on public health issues, providing residents with the best medical and scientific evidence on current health issues through public health reports and other tools of public communication. Establishes qualifications for the position, including being a licensed physician in the State. Provides for the position's salary to be fixed by the Governor.

    Appropriates $150,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Office of the Governor for 2021-22 to create one full-time NC Surgeon General position pursuant to the act.