What are the statutory differences between a public health authority director and a county or district health director?
There is a great deal of similarity in the laws governing these different types of directors. In each case, the director is appointed by the governing board after consultation with the county commissioners, and the appointee must meet the education and experience requirements described in question 4.
Further, a public health authority director has all of the same powers and duties of a county or district health director,[1] with one exception: the public health authority director does not have the power to enter contracts. Instead, the public health authority board holds that power. The board could, however, delegate contracting authority to the director or another agent or employee.[2] It is possible that in practice a public health authority director would have an expanded role compared to a county or district health director, as the public health authority director is responsible for administering programs as directed by the public health authority board, which has expanded authority compared to a traditional local board of health. More information about the powers and duties of the different types of governing boards for local public health agencies is available here.
[1] G.S. 130A-45.5(c) (powers and duties of a public health authority director) is substantially identical to G.S. 130A-41(b) (powers and duties of a local health director), except it lacks the provision relating to contracting.
[2] See G.S. 130A-45.3(a)(9) (allowing the public health authority board to “delegate to its agents or employees any powers or duties as it may deem appropriate”).
