(a) There is established the Office of Health Equity within the Department of Health for the purpose of eliminating avoidable and unjust disparities in health among Vermonters. The Office shall use a systemic and comprehensive approach that addresses those social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health outcomes.
(b) The Office of Health Equity shall be managed by an Executive Director, an individual who shall be qualified by reason of education, expertise, and experience and who may have a professional degree in public health, social or environmental justice, or a related field. The Executive Director shall report to the Commissioner of Health, serve on a full-time basis, and be exempt from classified service.