Formed 2003 Employees 4812 (FY2011) | Dissolved 2011 Annual budget $5.2 billion (FY2011) | |
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Superseding agency Oklahoma Secretary of Health and Human Services Headquarters 120 N Robinson
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | ||
The Oklahoma Secretary of Health was a member of the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet. Prior to its dissolution in 2011, the Secretary is appointed by the Governor, with the consent of the Oklahoma Senate, to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Secretary served as the chief advisor to the Governor on public health issues and needs. In 2011, Governor Mary Fallin consolidated the Secretary's duties and responsibilities with those of the Oklahoma Secretary of Human Services into the new position of Oklahoma Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Contents
The last Secretary of Health was Terri L. White, who was appointed by Governor Brad Henry in 2009 and served until 2011.
History
The position of Secretary of Transportation was established in 2003 when Governor Brad Henry issued an executive order splitting the former position of Secretary of Health and Human Services into the separate positions of Secretary of Health and Secretary of Human Services. The previous position was established, along with the Oklahoma Governor's Cabinet, by the Executive Branch Reform Act of 1986. The Act directs the Secretary of Health to advise the Governor on public health policy and advise the state health agencies on new policy as directed by the Governor.
In 2011, Governor Mary Fallin consolidated the Secretary's duties and responsibilities with those of the Oklahoma Secretary of Human Services into the new position of Oklahoma Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Dual Position
Oklahoma state law always for Cabinet Secretaries to serve concurrently as the head of a State agency in addition to their duties as a Cabinet Secretary. Historically, the Secretary of Health has also served as either the Commissioner of the Oklahoma State Department of Health or as the Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. As of 2010, three of the four Health Secretaries have served in one of those dual positions.
Responsibilities
The Secretary of Health is the chief public health officer of the State. The Secretary oversees vaccinations, disease prevention, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and emergency health responses. The Secretary also is responsible for regulation of the State health delivery system as well as overseeing the State's Medicaid program.
As of fiscal year 2011, the Secretary of Health oversees 4812 full-time employees and is responsible for an annual budget of over $5.2 billion.
Agencies overseen
The Secretary of Transportation oversees the following state entities:
Salary
The annual salary for the position of Secretary of Health set by State law at $80,000. Despite this, if the Secretary serves as the head of State agency, the Secretary receives the higher of the two salaries. Incumbent Secretary Terri White serves as the Commissioner of the Department of Mental Health. As such, she receives the salary allowed for that position. As of 2010, the annual salary for that position is $124,000.
List of Secretaries
Secretaries of Health and Human Services (1986–2003)
Secretaries of Health (2003–2011)