O.C.G.A. § 31-2A-15: Additional duties of commissioner; authority to convene expert panels and consult with experts.

(a) In addition to other authority and duties granted in this title, the commissioner shall:

(1) Provide a written report of expenditures made for public health purposes in the prior fiscal year to the Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Lieutenant Governor no later than December 1 of each year beginning December 1, 2010; and

(2) Serve as the chief liaison to county boards of health through their directors on matters related to the operations and programmatic responsibilities of such county boards of health; provided, however, the commissioner may designate a person from within the department to serve as such chief liaison.

(b) The commissioner shall be authorized to convene one or more panels of experts to address various public health issues and may consult with experts on epidemiological and emergency preparedness issues.