North Dakota Administrative Code › Title 33 - State Department of Health › Article 33-01 - General Administration › Chapter 33-01-01 - Organization of Department › Section 33-01-01-01 - Organization and functions of state department of health

Current through Supplement No. 393, July, 2024
1.
Organization of department.
a. History. The territorial board of health
				for Dakota Territory came into being in 1885 with the responsibilities to make
				and enforce "all needful rules and regulations for the prevention and cure, and
				to prevent the spread of any contagious, infectious, or malarial disease among
				persons and domestic animals". In 1889, when Dakota Territory was divided, a
				board of health was established. In 1923, the state department of health was
				created, consisting of a public health advisory council, a state health
				officer, directors of divisions, and other employees. The public health
				laboratory, connected with the University of North Dakota since its inception
				in 1907, was placed under the state health department in 1933. In 1947, the
				legislative assembly reorganized the department, making necessary changes to
				provide for hospital registration and licensure. The reorganization changed the
				name of the advisory council to the state health council, giving it
				policymaking responsibility and increasing its membership.
In 1987, the state laboratories department was consolidated
				  with the state health department forming the state department of health and
				  consolidated laboratories. In 1995, the agency name was changed to state
				  department of health.
b.
				Sections and divisions. The department consists of the following sections and
				divisions:
Administrative Support
Accounting
Education Technology
Human Resources
Vital Records
Community Health Section
Cancer Prevention and Control Division
Chronic Disease Division
Family Health Division
Injury Prevention and Control Division
Nutrition and Physical Activity Division
Tobacco Prevention and Control Division
Emergency Preparedness and Response Section
Environmental Health Section
Air Quality Division
Chemistry Division Municipal Facilities Division
Waste Management Division
Water Quality Division
Health Resources Section
Emergency Medical Services Division
Food and Lodging Division
Health Facilities Division
Medical Services Section
Disease Control Division
Forensic Examiner
Microbiology Division
c. Health officer. The health officer is
				appointed by the governor to hold office for four years. The health officer
				must have had postgraduate training or experience in public health
				administration. If the governor does not appoint as state health officer a
				physician licensed in this state, the governor shall appoint at least three
				licensed physicians recommended by the state medical association to serve as an
				advisory committee to the state health officer. The health officer is
				responsible for the exercise of powers and duties prescribed to the health
				officer under the law.
d. Legal
				counsel. The attorney general of North Dakota is the ex officio attorney for
				the department. However, by statute, the attorney general may, and has chosen
				to, appoint legal counsel to act as chief legal adviser for the department.