§26-1-2. Secretary to be administrative head of department; appointment, qualifications, etc.; not to hold other office or engage in political activity.

(a) (1) The Secretary of the Department of Health Facilities is the chief executive officer of that department and beginning January 1, 2024, is charged with the administration of this chapter. The Governor shall appoint the secretary, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for the term for which the Governor is elected, and the secretary shall serve at the will and pleasure of the Governor. The Secretary shall be paid an annual salary not to exceed $175,000. Upon his or her initial appointment, which may be at any time after the effective date of this act, the Secretary shall take the oath of office described in this section and commence his or her duties. If appointed before January 1, 2024, the Secretary shall take the oath of office described in this section and commence such duties as determined by the Secretary to be necessary to prepare for the administration of this chapter.

(2) Before entering upon the duties of his or her office, the secretary shall take and subscribe to the oath of office prescribed by section five, article four of the state Constitution.

(3) The secretary shall not be a candidate for, or hold, any other public office or public employment under the federal government or under the government of this state or any of its political subdivisions, or be a member or officer of any political party committee, or serve as an election official, or engage in any political activity, other than to vote, in behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate, political party or public issue involved in an election. Any violation by the secretary of the provisions of this section shall automatically vacate his or her appointment as secretary.

(b) Beginning January 1, 2024, as used in this chapter, “secretary” means the secretary of the Department of Health Facilities.