Part 1.5Office of the Surgeon General

Section § 438

Explanation

The Office of the Surgeon General is part of California's Health and Human Services Agency. It's responsible for increasing public awareness about toxic stress and negative childhood experiences while coordinating policies for their screening and treatment.

This office provides advice to key policymakers, including the Governor, on how to tackle health issues related to these challenges early and effectively.

It also brings together ideas and efforts from medical experts, scientists, public health professionals, and the general public to address these pressing health concerns.

The Office of the Surgeon General is hereby established within the California Health and Human Services Agency. The office shall be responsible for all of the following:
(a)CA Health and Safety Code § 438(a) Raising public awareness on and coordinating policies governing scientific screening and treatment for toxic stress and adverse childhood events.
(b)CA Health and Safety Code § 438(b) Advising the Governor, the Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, and policymakers on a comprehensive approach to address health issues and challenges, including toxic stress and adverse childhood events, as effectively and early as possible.
(c)CA Health and Safety Code § 438(c) Marshalling the insights and energy of medical professionals, scientists, and other academic experts, public health experts, public servants, and everyday Californians to solve our most pressing health challenges, including toxic stress and adverse childhood events.
Office of the Surgeon General California Health and Human Services Agency toxic stress adverse childhood events public awareness policy coordination health challenges scientific screening treatment strategies Governor's advisory comprehensive health approach medical professionals collaboration public health experts academic insights early intervention
(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 38, Sec. 12. (SB 78) Effective June 27, 2019.)

Section § 439

Explanation

This law explains that the Surgeon General of California is appointed by the Governor and leads the Office of the Surgeon General. Starting from July 1, 2019, this appointment must be confirmed by the Senate. The salary for this position is set according to state law.

(a)CA Health and Safety Code § 439(a) The Surgeon General shall be appointed by the Governor and shall be the director of the Office of the Surgeon General.
(b)CA Health and Safety Code § 439(b) On and after July 1, 2019, the appointment of the Surgeon General shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.
(c)CA Health and Safety Code § 439(c) The salary of the Surgeon General shall be fixed in accordance with state law.
Surgeon General appointment California Surgeon General Governor appointment Senate confirmation Surgeon General salary Office of the Surgeon General state law salary California health administration executive appointment public health leadership state government procedures salary regulation health officer appointment California public health Senate verification
(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 38, Sec. 12. (SB 78) Effective June 27, 2019.)