(1) Two or more contiguous counties may combine for the purpose of forming a health district when the governing body of each of the counties concerned adopt resolutions signifying their intention to form the health district.

(2) The governing bodies of the counties forming the health district may meet together, elect a chairperson and transact business as a district board of health whenever a majority of the members of the governing bodies from each of the participating counties are present at a meeting.

(3) In lieu of the procedure described in subsection (2) of this section, the governing bodies of the counties forming the health district may, by a two-thirds vote of the members from each participating county, establish and, except as provided in paragraph (f) of this subsection, appoint a district board of health consisting of the following members:

(a) One member from each participating county governing body selected by the county governing body to which the member belongs.

(b) One member from a school administrative unit within the health district.

(c) One member from the administrative staff of a city within the health district.

(d) Two physicians who have been licensed to practice medicine under ORS Chapter 677 and who are residents of the health district.

(e) One dentist who has been licensed to practice dentistry under ORS Chapter 679 and who is a resident of the health district.

(f) One person who is a resident of the health district and who is to be appointed by the members serving under paragraphs (a) to (c) of this subsection.

(4) The term of office of the members referred to in subsection (3)(a) to (f) of this section shall be four years, with terms expiring on February 1, except that the first appointments made under this subsection shall be for terms of one, two, three or four years, as designated by a two-thirds vote of the members from each participating county.

(5) The governing bodies of the counties comprising the health district may appoint a public health advisory board for terms of four years, with terms expiring on February 1, except that the first appointments made under this subsection shall be for terms of one, two, three or four years, as designated by the governing bodies. The advisory board shall meet regularly to advise the district board of health on matters of public health. The advisory board shall consist of:

(a) Persons licensed by this state as health care practitioners.

(b) Persons who are well informed on public health matters. [Formerly 431.414; 2019 c.321 § 6]