(1) Under the direction and control of the state registrar, the local health officer of each health jurisdiction is and shall serve as local registrar.

(2) Subject to the approval of the state registrar, each local registrar shall appoint a sufficient number of deputy registrars to perform the duties prescribed by this chapter applicable to local registrars. The local registrar shall submit each proposed appointment to the state registrar in writing. The state registrar shall either approve or deny the appointment in writing prior to the assumption of duties by the deputy registrar. The state registrar may deny an appointment for good cause.

(3) The state registrar shall authorize a local or deputy registrar to access the electronic vital records databases to issue birth or death certifications upon the local or deputy registrar’s appointment. Access and use of the database by the local or deputy registrar must be consistent with this chapter.

(4) The state board of health may remove the local health officer as local registrar upon finding evidence of neglect in the performance of duties as local registrar.