§ 321e. Chief Medical Officer
(a)
In general
There is in the Department a Chief Medical Officer, who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(b)
Qualifications
The individual appointed as Chief Medical Officer shall possess a demonstrated ability in and knowledge of medicine and public health.
(c)
Responsibilities
The Chief Medical Officer shall have the primary responsibility within the Department for medical issues related to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, including—
(1)
serving as the principal advisor to the Secretary and the Administrator on medical and public health issues;
(3)
ensuring internal and external coordination of all medical preparedness and response activities of the Department, including training, exercises, and equipment support;
(4)
serving as the Department’s primary point of contact with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Defense, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other Federal departments or agencies, on medical and public health issues;
(5)
serving as the Department’s primary point of contact for State, local, and tribal governments, the medical community, and others within and outside the Department, with respect to medical and public health matters;