This section states that if the provisions of the code are almost the same as existing laws on the same topic, they should be seen as updates or continuations of those laws, not as completely new laws.

When this code becomes active, if someone is already in an office that was part of an earlier law but is still recognized in the new code, they will keep their position as previously held.

This law says that if a legal action or proceeding started before the new code was implemented, it won't be affected by the new code. However, any procedures or steps taken from that point onward should follow the new code as much as possible.

This section explains that the definitions, rules, and general guidelines outlined are used to interpret and apply the rest of this code, unless the specific provision or context suggests otherwise.

This section explains that when a public officer is given certain powers or responsibilities, they can allow a deputy or another legally authorized person to carry out those powers or duties unless a specific law says otherwise.

This law states that any message, notice, report, statement, or record that needs to be recorded under this code should be written in a way that people can easily read, and it must be in English unless there's a specific rule that says otherwise.

This law states that if a law references a part of this code or another law, the reference includes any updates or changes made to it over time. Basically, it's a way of saying that the law is flexible enough to include future amendments and additions.

This section is all about how certain terms are used in legal documents. When you see the word 'Section,' it refers to a part of this legal code, unless another law is mentioned. The term 'Subdivision' refers to a part of the current section, unless it clearly states another section.

This rule means that when interpreting legal documents, references to actions in the present tense can also apply to those actions if they happened in the past or will happen in the future.

This law states that in legal documents, words in the masculine form should be understood to include both feminine and neuter forms as well. This means that when a law uses 'he' or 'him,' it also applies to 'she,' 'her,' and any gender-neutral terms.

This law clarifies that when California legal language mentions a 'spouse,' it also means a 'registered domestic partner,' ensuring equal treatment under the law.

This section means that if a law mentions something in singular form, it can also apply to multiple items, and vice versa. For example, 'person' can mean 'persons' and 'persons' can mean 'person'.

This law clarifies that when you come across the term "county" in this context, it also covers both individual cities and combined city-counties.

This law states that if a notice needs to be given under this code, it can be sent by mail with prepaid postage to the person's home or main workplace in the state unless stated otherwise. The person who sends the notice can provide an affidavit as proof that the notice was mailed, and this is considered sufficient initial evidence.

This legal section clarifies the meaning of two words often used in laws. "Shall" means you must do something, while "may" means you have the option to do it but it's not required.

This section explains that in the context of this law, whenever someone refers to an 'oath,' it also covers affirmations. This means both sworn oaths and solemn affirmations are considered equivalent.

This law explains that if someone can't write and needs to sign a document, they can use a mark instead. In this case, a witness must write the person's name next to the mark and also sign their own name. If the mark is being used for a sworn statement or needs formal acknowledgment, two witnesses have to sign their names next to the mark.

This section defines the term “person” very broadly, including not just individuals, but also businesses and organizations like firms, associations, partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies.

This law clarifies that whenever you see 'State Department' or 'Department' in legal text, it means the State Department of Health Services. However, starting July 1, 2007, if this term is used for functions assigned to the State Department of Public Health, it should refer to the State Department of Public Health. If it's used for functions not assigned to this department, it should instead refer to the State Department of Health Care Services.

This law section defines the term "Director" as the "State Director of Health Services." Starting from July 1, 2007, any mentions of the former State Director of Health Services in specific health-related functions should now be understood to refer to the State Public Health Officer. This change is specific to the responsibilities outlined in Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 112.

This law clarifies that the term "Board" or "State Board of Public Health" now refers to the "State Department of Health Services" for regulatory duties. For other functions previously done by the Board, it means the "Advisory Health Council."

This law says that if a part of this code is found to be invalid or not applicable to a certain person or situation, it doesn't affect the rest of the code. The rest of the code stays valid and can still be applied to other people or situations.

This section explains how state entities in California should adopt building standards. When creating rules that involve building standards, they must follow specific procedures outlined in another part of the Health and Safety Code unless certain exceptions apply. If a building standard is adopted incorrectly, it won't be valid. Additionally, building standards that were adopted before January 1, 1980, will remain valid only until January 1, 1985, unless they are updated or replaced.

This section defines several specific acts within the California Health and Safety Code. It specifies which parts of the code relate to different health-related topics.

The Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Act includes various sections and divisions focused on preventing and controlling diseases that spread from person to person. The Hereditary Disorders Act addresses sections related to genetic disorders. The Maternal and Child Health Program Act covers several areas dedicated to healthcare for mothers and children. The Miscellaneous Food, Food Facility, and Hazardous Substances Act includes regulations concerning food safety and hazardous substances. The Primary Care Services Act comprises chapters on basic healthcare services, while the Radiologic Technology Act relates to the use of radiologic technology and equipment.

This law section defines "recycled water" or "reclaimed water" to mean the same thing as the definition provided in a specific part of the Water Code.