MINUTES
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL HEALTH DIRECTORS
Executive Committee Meeting
November 18, 1999
Wake Co. Public Health Center
Raleigh, NC
CALL TO ORDER Š
President Maggie Dollar called the meeting to order at 9:10 am and announced that the Association would need to find other meeting room arrangements next year. (See Attachments, Attendance Roster.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES Š Wayne Raynor presented the minutes of the October 20, 1999 Full Association Meeting. Minutes were approved as submitted with two corrections "formally" instead of formerly and "slate" instead of state.
TREASURERÕS REPORT Š Wayne Raynor presented the TreasurerÕs Report which was approved as presented. (See Attachments)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dr. Ann Wolfe gave an update on Department cuts/revisions mandated to assist counties adversely affected by Hurricane Floyd.
Jim Baluss thanked everyone for all the support rendered to Edgecombe County during recovery from Hurricane Floyd.
President Dollar announced that funding for Health Check positions was never approved.
COMMITTEE ACTION ITEMS
Curtis Holloman encouraged members to nominate individuals for the Ham Stevens Award which is to be presented at the January 2000 State Health DirectorÕs meeting. Nominations must be received by December 31, 1999.
No Action Items.
- Environmental Health Committee
No Action Items.
No Action Items.
- Hospital Association Network
No Action Items.
- Managed Care & Reimbursement
No Action Items.
No Action Items.
No Action Items.
No Action Items.
- WomenÕs & ChildrenÕs Health
Wanda Sandele provided an update regarding minors consent to health services. She discussed a resolution that came from Commissioners in Rutherford County (not passed by that board) was mailed to all County Commissioners urging them to pass it and forward it to the CommissionersÕ Association. The resolution calls for the Legislature to repeal the statute that protects the confidentiality of minors seeking birth control at Health Departments. The resolution was passed by Davidson County without the item requiring the Health Department to prepare a position paper in support of the resolution. Wanda presented a resolution "Access to Preventive Health Care for Minors" (See attached Resolution). Some discussion ensued regarding the timeliness of presenting the resolution to the legislature. Motion: It was agreed that the NCALHD should take the position at present but proceed no further with regard to formally taking the issue to the NCACC at the present time. Motion passed.
- Policy and Planning Š Tom Bridges made a motion that NCALHD support the appeal for the flood relief and we will send a letter asking for that assistance as requested. Motion passed.
- Alliance for Public Health Agencies (NCAPHA)
No Action Items.
No Action Items.
- County Commissioners Association Network
No Action Items.
COMMITTEE INFORMATION/REPORTS
- WomenÕs and ChildrenÕs Health Š Wanda Sandele Š There will not be funding available for dose 3 of Hepatitis B Vaccine next year. Dr. Wolf indicated that the reason was due to a 30% cut in immunization grant funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medicaid will pay up to $20.00 administration fee.
- Technology Š Marc Kolman thanked everyone involved in the recent RFP process. The deadline for RFP submission was November 8, 1999. Marc read a list of organizations that submitted proposals. President Dollar announced that Bamburg, S. C. is currently using a paperless medical record. Dennis Harrington praised the work of the subcommittee for managing a very difficult task.
- Local Providers Work Group Š Tim Green - Local Providers Work Group met November 9th. Primary discussion centered about the topics of new billing codes. Tim indicated that we have a long way to go with regard to reimbursement disparities between various providers.
- Environmental Š Mimi Cooper provided an update on Centralized Training for Environmental Health interns.
- Chris Szwagiel introduced Cindy Clayton, his new assistant.
- President Dollar submitted referrals to Epidemiology and Education and Awards committees.
- Jenny Lassiter requested that NCALHD write legislators to improve funding for Vector Control. President Dollar referred to Policy and Planning for follow-up.
LIAISONS & OTHER REPORTS
- Office of Public Health Nursing Š Joy Reed - Crosswalk should be out very soon. All enhanced role services have been protected for at least two years. All W & Y codes for MCC/CSC were previously protected and remain so.
Bill Smith made a motion to endorse the proposed Public Health Nurse II as redefined. Seconded by Bob Wood. Motion passed.
Joy asked for input as to whether medical director conference calls should continue. The participation in the conference calls has been poor recently.
- ANCBH Š Carmine Rocco reported that ANCBH could help with Hiring, Disciplinary and Retention issues in Local Health Departments. Directors interested in hosting ANCBH meetings next year please let me know.
- Dr. Wolfe introduced Rick Mumford as the new chief of Dental Health in DPH.
- Leah Devlin provided an update on the Turning Point Project. Looking forward to receiving RFP from Robert Wood Johnson and will need letters of support. Barry Bass made a motion to provide a letter from NCALHD in support of the Turning Point Project. Seconded by Tim Green. Motion passed.
Also see "GovernorÕs Summit to Prevent Teen Tobacco Use" (See attachment).
- Wayne Sherman provided an update on access to care and public health links.
- Barry Bass gave an update on office space arrangements and other issues related to hiring an Executive Director for NCALHD. Committee will propose a space contract for President DollarÕs signature and a job description for the Executive Director position will be completed very soon.
- President Dollar and Dennis Harrington gave an update on Bill Burgess following a recent heart attack. He is on medical leave and doing much better.
- Tom Bridges sent out a communicable disease alert regarding flu-like symptom illness transmitted via birds (cockatiels), parrot fever. Healthcare providers should be sensitive to the possibility of some flu-like illnesses associated with bird transmission. The association has been confirmed in Henderson County.
- Bruce Parsons Š Region IV
Discussed question of Executive Director financing. Barrry Bass indicated that funds are available for first year. Association will have to look at ways to generate additional revenue in the future.
- Jill Moore Š Provided update on Jail Medical Plan requirements. Every city or county that operates a jail must develop a plan for providing medical care for inmates. The local health director must approve the plan if it is adequate to protect the health and welfare of the inmates. The plan must be reviewed annually. Jill went over the contents of the plan, policies and procedures for managing health screening and complaints, policies and procedures for managing medical emergencies, communicable diseases, and other state requirements. (See attachment).
Meeting adjourned at 11:45 am.
Respectfully Submitted by,
- Wayne Raynor
Secretary/Treasurer