Definitions

As used in this part 22, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Commission" means the health equity commission created in section 25-4-2206. (2) Repealed. (3) "Department" means the department of public health and environment. (3.3) "Equity strategic plan" means a strategic plan that identifies for certain state agencies the priorities, obstacles, goals, and timelines necessary to address identified health disparities in each agency's respective area of work and influence. (3.5) "Health disparities" means differences in health status, access to care, and quality of care as determined by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability status, aging population, socioeconomic status, and other factors. (3.7) "Health equity" means achieving the highest level of health for all people and entails focused efforts to address avoidable inequalities by equalizing those conditions for health for all groups, especially for those that have experienced socioeconomic disadvantages or historical injustices. (4) "Office" means the office of health equity created in section 25-4-2204. (4.5) "Social determinants of health" means life-enhancing resources, such as food, housing, economic and social relationships, transportation, education, and health care, whose distribution across populations effectively determines the length and quality of life. (5) "State board" means the state board of health created in section 25-1-103.