AN ACT to amend and reenact section 23-01-05 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the qualifications, term, and duties of the state health officer.

Modified appointment requirements to specify the state health officer must have substantive private or public administrative experience and public health experience at the time of appointment.

Added a new advisory committee of at least three licensed physicians recommended by the state medical association to advise the state health officer on public health matters.

Added religious freedom protections requiring that disease control orders not substantially burden religious exercise unless necessary for compelling governmental interests, and prohibiting discriminatory treatment of religious versus secular conduct.

Added authority for the state health officer to issue written disease control orders including special immunization and decontamination measures, with geographic limitations and governor consent required for statewide orders.

Added authority for the state health officer to apply to district court for injunctions canceling public events or closing businesses during communicable disease outbreaks.