KRS 212.635: Commissioner -- Appointment -- Qualifications -- Duties.

(1) The board shall appoint a commissioner for the department with the qualifications

specified and subject to the provisions set forth under subsection (3) of this section.

(2) The board shall hear and decide appeals from rulings, decisions, and actions of the

department or commissioner, where the aggrieved party makes a written request to

the board within thirty (30) days after the ruling, decision, or action complained of.

(3) The com missioner may be a physician, qualified as a public health administrator

and licensed or eligible for a license as a medical practitioner in the Commonwealth

of Kentucky, or may be a nonphysician with a minimum of a master's degree in

public health or a re lated field and at least five (5) years of experience in public

health or a related field. The commissioner of the health department shall receive an

annual salary as prescribed by the board subject to the provisions of the

department's merit system, payab le as other salaries are paid, and shall serve at the

pleasure of the board. If the commissioner is removed by the board he or she shall

be notified in writing. Before his or her removal shall become effective, the

commissioner shall have fourteen (14) cal endar days within which to make a

written request for a hearing. The board shall not be required to hold a hearing

unless so requested by the commissioner. If no such request is made the removal

shall become effective upon the expiration of the fourteen (1 4) day period. If a

request for a hearing is made the hearing shall be held at the office of the board

within fourteen (14) calendar days after the request is received by the board. The

commissioner shall not be removed until after a hearing has been held if requested

and a decision rendered by the board. The board's decision shall be final.

(4) The commissioner shall serve as secretary to the board and keep full minutes of the

proceedings of the board. The commissioner shall be the chief administrative

officer of the department. The commissioner may employ and fix the compensation

of, by contract or otherwise, all medical, technical, clerical, professional, and other

employees necessary for the maintenance and operation of the department in

accordance with the merit system as established by the board.