MS HB1347

Abolishes the State Department of Health and State Board of Health, transferring all powers, duties, property, employees, funds, and contractual obligations to a new Division of Health in the Office of the Governor.

Establishes the Division of Health in the Governor's Office with a full-time Executive Director appointed by the Governor with Senate approval, who serves at the Governor's will and pleasure and becomes the State Health Officer.

Transfers all State Board of Health powers to the Executive Director, including authority to adopt rules and regulations (with Governor approval), manage employees, establish public health programs, and conduct investigations.

Requires the Executive Director to obtain Governor approval before adopting rules and regulations, employing personnel, and entering certain contracts; makes the executive director subject to ethics requirements and bond posting requirements.

Extends the repealer date for the Division of Health and Executive Director position from July 1, 2017 to July 1, 2020, and repeals provisions requiring board members to take constitutional oaths and provisions governing board chairmanship elections and compensation.