Va. Code § 15.2-839
The department of health shall consist of the county health officer, who shall be chosen from a list of eligibles furnished by the State Board of Health and the other officers and employees of such department. The county health officer shall be head of such department and shall exercise the powers conferred and shall perform the duties imposed upon the local health officer and the local board of health by general law, not inconsistent herewith. He shall also perform such other duties as the board imposes upon him.
The board of supervisors may select two qualified county citizens, who, together with the county health officer, shall constitute the county board of health. Such board shall advise and cooperate with the department of health and shall have power to adopt rules and regulations, not in conflict with law, concerning the department. The board of health may at any time be abolished by the board of supervisors.
Va. Code § 15.2-839