§ 25-9-101 - Creation -- Director -- Organization -- Personnel.
25-9-101. Creation -- Director -- Organization -- Personnel.
(a) (1) (A) There is created the Department of Health, which is to be established if the Governor orders the separation of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services from the Department of Health and Human Services.
(B) Unless stated otherwise, all references in this chapter to "director" shall mean the Director of the Department of Health if established, and otherwise the Director of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services.
(2) (A) The Governor shall appoint the Director of the Department of Health if established, and otherwise the Director of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services.
(B) The director shall:
(i) Serve as the executive head of the Department of Health or the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services;
(ii) Serve at the pleasure of the Governor;
(iii) Act as the Secretary for the State Board of Health; and
(iv) Serve as the State Health Officer, with appropriate authority to ensure public health and safety, including leadership on health issues related to emergency preparedness and disaster management.
(b) (1) (A) The director, with the advice and consent of the Governor, shall appoint the heads of the respective units of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Health.
(B) All other personnel of the Department of Health shall be employed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the director.
(2) However, nothing in this section shall be so construed as to reduce any right that an employee of the Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Health has under any civil service or merit system.
(c) (1) Each unit of the Department of Health shall be under the direction, control, and supervision of the director.
(2) The director may delegate his or her functions, powers, and duties to various units of the Department of Health as he or she shall deem desirable and necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the Department of Health.
(d) (1) The Division of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Health shall maintain an Office of Oral Health.
(2) The Director of the Office of Oral Health shall be an experienced public health dentist licensed to practice under the Arkansas Dental Practice Act, 17-82-101 et seq.
(3) The Director of the Office of Oral Health shall:
(A) Plan, direct, and coordinate all dental public health programs with other local, state, and national health programs;
(B) Serve as the department's chief advisor on matters involving oral health; and
(C) Plan, implement, and evaluate all oral health programs within the department.