DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 1071 Original 2016 Regular Session Jones
Abstract: Creates the office of state surgeon general.
Present law establishes the Dept. of Health and Hospitals (DHH) composed of the executive office
of the secretary, the office of management and finance, the office of public health, the office of
behavioral health, the office for citizens with developmental disabilities, the office of aging and adult
services, and such other offices as shall be created by law.
Proposed law retains present law and adds the office of the state surgeon general to support the state
surgeon general in the fulfillment of his general powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities as
provided for in proposed law.
Present law establishes the officers of DHH as the secretary, the undersecretary, the deputy secretary,
and assistant secretaries.
Proposed law retains present law and adds the position of state surgeon general to act as the state
medical advisor, public health advocate, and health strategist. Proposed law requires the state
surgeon general to be a physician who possesses an unrestricted license to engage in the practice of
medicine in La.
Proposed law provides that the state surgeon general shall be appointed by the governor with consent
of the Senate and shall serve at the pleasure of the governor at a salary fixed by the governor, not to
exceed the amount approved for such position by the legislature while in session.
Proposed law establishes the following duties for the state surgeon general:
(1)Serve as the leading voice on wellness and disease-prevention efforts including the
promotion of healthful lifestyles, immunization practices, health literacy, and the assessment
and promotion of the physician and healthcare workforce in order to meet the healthcare
needs of La.
(2)Focus on advocating healthy lifestyles, developing public health policy, and building
collaborative partnerships with schools, businesses, healthcare practitioners,
community-based organizations, and public and private institutions in order to promote
health literacy and optimum quality of life for all residents of La.
Proposed law provides that the state surgeon shall function independently of the officers of DHH and shall be under the general control and supervision of the governor.
Present law provides for the duties of the human services districts and human services authorities.
Proposed law retains present law but makes technical changes to remove outdated references in
present law.
(Amends R.S. 36:251(C)(1), 252, and 258(G)-(L); Adds R.S. 36:253.1 and 258(E))