(a) The administrative and executive head of each county and district health department shall be a public health officer, which office is created by this section.
(b)
(1) The public health officer shall be appointed by the county or district board of health to serve for a term of four (4) years and shall possess such qualifications as may be prescribed by the State Board of Health.
(2) He shall be employed on a full-time basis and shall receive such compensation and expense allowance as may be recommended by the county or district board and with the approval of the State Board of Health.
(c)
(1) All other personnel required by a department shall be appointed by the public health officer from the civil service list, where one exists, and shall possess qualifications approved by the State Board of Health.
(2) All personnel shall perform the duties as shall be prescribed by the public health officer.