§16-1-1. Purpose.

It is the policy of this state to promote the physical and mental health of all of its citizens and to prevent disease, injury, and disability whenever possible. The state recognizes its responsibility to assist in the provision of essential public health services and establishes by this article a state public health system to work in conjunction with local boards of health to provide basic public health services that encourage healthy people in healthy communities. Until January 1, 2024, the Bureau for Public Health and the Department of Health and Human Resources shall have those powers and duties respecting the administration of the state public health system as authorized, granted and imposed by this chapter and elsewhere by law.

Beginning January 1, 2024, the Department of Health is comprised of the agencies as provided in §5F-2-1a of this code, is charged with the administration of this chapter, and shall have those powers and duties respecting the administration of the state public health system as authorized, granted and imposed by this chapter and elsewhere by law.