In this chapter:
(1) "Essential public health services" means services to:
(A) monitor the health status of individuals in the community to identify community health problems;
(B) diagnose and investigate community health problems and community health hazards;
(C) inform, educate, and empower the community with respect to health issues;
(D) mobilize community partnerships in identifying and solving community health problems;
(E) develop policies and plans that support individual and community efforts to improve health;
(F) enforce laws and rules that protect the public health and ensure safety in accordance with those laws and rules;
(G) link individuals who have a need for community and personal health services to appropriate community and private providers;
(H) ensure a competent workforce for the provision of essential public health services;
(I) research new insights and innovative solutions to community health problems; and
(J) evaluate the effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services in a community.
(2) "Physician" means a person licensed to practice medicine by the Texas Medical Board.