(a) There is in state government an executive officer known as the State Public Health Officer, who shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate, and hold office at the pleasure of the Governor. The State Public Health Officer shall receive the annual salary provided by Article 1 (commencing with Section 11550) of Chapter 6 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

(b) The State Public Health Officer shall serve as the director of, and have control over, the State Department of Public Health.

(c) Any statutory reference to “director,” “the Director of Health Services,” “the Director of Public Health,” or the “Director of the State Department of Public Health,” regarding a function transferred to the State Department of Public Health pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 131050), is deemed to, instead, refer to the State Public Health Officer.

(d) Any statutory reference to “department” or “state department” regarding a function transferred to the State Department of Public Health pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 131050), shall refer to the State Department of Public Health.

(e) The director shall be a licensed physician and surgeon pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, who has demonstrated medical, public health, and management experience.

(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 241, Sec. 34. Effective January 1, 2007. Operative July 1, 2007, by Sec. 37 of Ch. 241.)