New legislation overhauls state health officer appointment, emergency orders

New legislation overhauls state health officer appointment, emergency orders

MONTGOMERY — Some Alabama lawmakers are again proposing a bill to allow the governor to appoint the state’s top doctor and have approval of emergency orders issued by him or her.

Senate Bill 74, sponsored by Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, allows the governor to appoint the state health officer, who oversees the Alabama Department of Public Health.