La. R.S. 40:21

Two or more parishes may, with the approval of the state health officer and the governing bodies of the parishes, organize a health district composed of the health units of their respective parishes. In lieu of one health officer in each of the parishes, the parishes may, in that case, jointly use the services of and appropriate funds for the payment of the compensation of a single health officer. The jurisdiction, powers and duties of the district health officer in the health district and the manner in which he may be appointed and removed from office are the same as those of a parish health officer.