MS SB2580

Extends the automatic repeal date of the State Board of Health and State Department of Health from June 30, 2007 to June 30, 2013.

Reconstitutes the State Board of Health with 11 members appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General with advice and consent of the Senate, including 5 licensed physicians and 6 public health professionals with geographic, racial, and gender diversity requirements.

Establishes the State Department of Health headed by an executive officer appointed by the board who must be a physician with a graduate degree in public health or health care administration, with a 6-year term removable for cause by majority board vote.

Authorizes the board to establish an Office of Rural Health, administer a local governments and rural water systems improvements loan program, and oversee public health programs including maternal and child health, disease control, food sanitation, and vital statistics registration.

Establishes food establishment permit fees ranging from $30 to $200 based on assessment category, with exemptions for public schools, colleges, state agencies, and infrequent honey producers.