Delaware Executive Order 24: Office of the Surgeon General

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT DOVER

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER TWENTY-FOUR

TO: HEADS OF ALL STATE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

RE: ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF THE SURGEON GENERAL

WHEREAS, every Delawarean deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life; and

WHEREAS, the health of Delawareans depends not only on protecting people from disease and responding to public health emergencies, but also on ensuring access to timely, affordable healthcare, advancing health equity, addressing the social and environmental conditions that influence health, and fostering healthy, connected communities; and

WHEREAS, the people of Delaware benefit from a trusted physician leader who can communicate clearly, consistently, transparently, and in accordance with the best available evidence on matters affecting public health; and

WHEREAS, recent public health emergencies have demonstrated the importance of maintaining a credible, nonpartisan medical voice capable of guiding the public during times of crisis while also providing continuity and leadership during times of stability; and

WHEREAS, the Governor benefits from the advice of a chief physician advisor who can provide independent medical counsel, foster collaboration across state government, engage healthcare professionals, academic institutions, and community organizations, and promote evidence-based policies that improve the health and well-being of all Delawareans; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the State of Delaware to establish the Office of the Surgeon General to strengthen public trust, improve coordination across state government, and provide enduring physician leadership within the State government.

NOW THEREFORE, I, MATTHEW MEYER, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby DECLARE and ORDER the following: 1. There is hereby established an Office of the Surgeon General ("OSG") within the Department of Health and Social Services ("DHSS"). This Office will:

a. Serve as the Governor's chief physician advisor and the State's chief advocate for the health and well-being of the people of Delaware;

b. Serve as the State's principal public health communicator and provide timely, accurate, and evidence-based information to the public during periods of both stability and public health emergencies;

c. Advise the Governor and Executive Branch agencies regarding emerging public health issues, opportunities, and risks;

d. Promote collaboration among state agencies, healthcare providers, health systems, educational institutions, employers, the federal government, local governments, and community organizations to improve health outcomes;

e. Convene stakeholders, encourage innovation, and advance evidence-based approaches that improve the health and well-being of Delawareans;

f. Issue reports, advisories, recommendations, and other public communications intended to improve the health and well-being of Delawareans; and

g. Perform such additional duties as may be assigned by the Secretary of DHSS in coordination with the Office of the Governor.

2. The OSG shall promote a modern vision of public health by advancing:

a. The protection and advancement of the foundations of public health, including disease prevention, health promotion, immunization, emergency preparedness, environmental health, and other evidence-based public health practices;

b. Improved access to timely, affordable, high-quality healthcare for all Delawareans by identifying opportunities to strengthen the healthcare workforce, reduce unnecessary administrative burden, improve care delivery, and eliminate barriers to care;

c. Healthier and more resilient communities by promoting physical and behavioral health, supporting healthy childhood development, strengthening social connection, and evaluating emerging public health challenges associated with technology, artificial intelligence, and other societal changes; d. Health equity by identifying and reducing avoidable disparities in health outcomes and addressing the social and environmental conditions that influence health; and

e. Collaboration among government agencies, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, employers, community organizations, and residents to improve the health and well-being of all Delawareans.

3. The Surgeon General shall be appointed by the Governor, after recommendation by the Secretary of DHSS.

4. The Surgeon General shall be a physician licensed, or eligible for licensure, in the State of Delaware and shall possess demonstrated experience in medicine, public health, healthcare delivery, healthcare policy, or related fields, together with a demonstrated commitment to evidence-based practice, public service, and improving the health of Delawareans.

5. The Surgeon General shall report to the Cabinet Secretary of DHSS and shall have the roles and responsibilities of a Deputy Cabinet Secretary. The Director of the Division of Public Health shall report to the Surgeon General.

6. All Executive Branch departments, agencies, boards, commissions, authorities, and offices shall provide reasonable assistance to the Office of the Surgeon General, consistent with applicable law, to facilitate the performance of the responsibilities established by this Executive Order.

7. Within twelve (12) months of the effective date of this Executive Order, the Surgeon General shall submit to the Governor a strategic report identifying opportunities to improve the health and well-being of Delawareans, strengthen the State's public health infrastructure, improve access to healthcare, and prepare Delaware for emerging public health challenges.

8. Nothing in this Executive Order shall diminish, modify, or supersede the statutory authority or responsibilities of the Secretary of DHSS. The Office of the Surgeon General shall complement the work of DHSS by providing physician leadership, strategic counsel to the Governor, public communication, and coordination across Executive Branch agencies on matters affecting the health and well-being of Delawareans.

9. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately. APPROVED this 13th day of July, 2026.

Matthew Meyer Governor

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