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Home My WebLink About07/03/1991 BOH Minutes r I I I 105 Mr. Blake called the regular meeting of the New Hanover County Board of Health (NHCBH) to order at 8:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 3, 1991, in the Thomas Fanning Wood Library of the New Hanover County Health Department in Wilmington, North Carolina. Members Present: Donald P. Blake, Chairman Michael Goins, OD, Vice Chairman J.ohn M. Coble Robert G. Greer Marlene M. Leslie Hall, Jr., PE John Leonard, DMV Spiro Macris, DDS Sheram Robinson Rosenkoetter, RN, PhD,FAAN Dr. Alan Thomas Members Absent: Julius F. Howard, RPh Others Present: Robert S. (Bob) Parker, Health Director Frances F. De Vane, Recording Secretary Dr. Goins presented the invocation. Mr. Blake called corrections to the minutes of the meeting on June 5, 1991. minutes were approved. for The Recognition: 100% smokefree Establishments Mr. Blake recognized the following New Hanover County 100% Smokefree Establishments with certificates: McKim and Creed Engineers Southeastern Medical Group Mr. Carlos L. Davis, Environmental Health Specialist - Retirement On behalf of the Board of Health, Mr. Blake presented a retirement plaque to Mr. Carlos L. (Pete) Davis, Environmental Health Specialist. He expressed appreciation to Mr. Davis for his dedication to the health department, Public Health and the citizens of New Hanover County. certificate of Safety Achievement Mr. Blake displayed a Certificate of Safety Achievement which was presented to the New Hanover County Health Department by the North Carolina Department of Labor in recognition of the outstanding accident prevention efforts during 1990. 106 American Red Cross Blood Drive I Mr. Blake announced that the health department received a Certificate for Top Participation in the November 1990 Blood Drive. Forty-four donors participated in this Blood Drive. Departmental Focal: Ms. Betty Jo McCorkle, MCC Director, presented the department focal and introduced Ms. Avery Grady Rollinson, RNC, OB/Gyn Nurse Practitioner, who is a Public Health Nurse who recently completed her nurse practitioner certification from Emory University. Ms. Rollinson expressed her appreciation to the Board and health department staff for extending her this continuing education opportunity. Committee Reports: Budget Mr. Blake thanked the Board for their participation in the budget process. Ms. Lynda Smith, Assistant Health Director, reported that the New Hanover County Health Department FY 1991-92 Budget was approved by the County Commissioners on June 5, 1991. She stated that Board of Health requested additions and restorations to the I budget were not approved. A 4% cost of living raise is to be given to county employees effective July 1, 1991. Merit increases were not included in the budget. The New Hanover County Pay and Classification Study was approved effective April 1992. The county will pay one-half of the increased cost of Blue Cross/Blue Shield premiums for county employees. Unfinished Business: Cape Fear River Basin Program Mr. Parker announced the proposed continuing education session for Boards of Health on the Cape Fear River Basin Water Quality Issues sponsored by Wilmington AHEC is to be held on October 8 or 15, 1991 from 6:00 P.M. - 9:15 P.M. New Business: Confidentiality Policy Mr. Parker presented a proposed New Hanover County Health Department Conf identiali ty Policy, and Employees' Recognition of Patient's Right to Privacy and Employees' Recognition of Responsibility During Emergency Situations Forms to the Board of Health for their consideration. I I I I 107 Dr. Goins moved that the NHCHD Confidentiality Policy be approved as presented. Upon vote, the MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. (Attachment #1: NHCHD Confidentiality Policy incorporated as a part of minutes.) Nursing's Agenda for Health Care Reform Dr. Rosenkoetter presented the components of the Nursing's Agenda for Health Care Reform to the Board of Health for their study and review. She explained that the agenda as drafted by the National League for Nursing supports the creation of a health care system that assures access, quality and services at affordable cost to everyone. The agenda calls for immediate health care reform and for a change from the predominant focus on illness and cure to an orientation toward wellness and care. It includes provisions for case management, long term care, insurance reform and the establishment of a public/private sector review. Mr. Blake thanked Dr. Rosenkoetter for her presentation of the Nursing's Agenda for Health Care Reform. June Blood Drive Report Ms. Smith gave the June Blood Drive report. She stated 57 pledges were received from health department employees, Board members and others. Environmental Tobacco Smoke in Nursing Homes Ms. Jan Gains, daughter of a nursing home resident, requested that the Board of Health address the Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) issue in nursing homes. She reported that residents of a local nursing home are being exposed to passive tobacco smoke in the cafeteria of this nursing home. Mr. Parker explained that the New Hanover County Smoking Pollution Control Ordinance (SPCO) does not ~nclude nursing homes. It was the consensus of the Board of Health that a letter recommending no smoking in public areas of nursing and rest homes be sent to all New Hanover County Nursing and Rest Homes. Mr. Parker stated he would prepare this letter. Additional Funds Received - $20,303 in Mosquito Control Mr. Parker reported to the Board that the health department will receive $20,303 additional Mosquito Funds during Fiscal Year 1990-91. He stated that Mr. Bobby Waters, Vector Control Director, had been instrumental in securing these funds. The Board members requested that Mr. Parker recognize Mr. Waters for this accomplishment. 108 Animal Control and Possible Reorganization Mr. Blake reported that he had investigated the feasibility of transferring the Animal Control Division to the New Hanover County Sheriff's Department. He explained that Animal Control in other areas is not under the health department and that this was a possibili ty in New Hanover County. He asked for concerns and opinions from the Board. I After discussion, Mr. Blake asked for a vote to study the issue of transferring Animal Control to the Sheriff's Department. Upon vote, the Board voted not to study the issue. Increase in Home Health Charges Mr. Parker presented the FY 91-92 North Carolina Medicaid Home Health rates. They are as follows: Nursing Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Home Health Aide $69.00 $68.00 $68.00 $68.00 $38.50 Mr. Hall moved that the Board approve the above FY 91-92 Medicaid I Home Health rates effective July 1, 1991. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Proposed Incinerator for Pènder County Mr. Blake made a report to the Board on the proposed location of the hazardous waste incinerator in Pender County near the New Hanover County line. He presented the Pender County Resolution and the toxic fallout zone for the proposed hazardous waste incinerator. After a lengthy discussion, the Board decided to prepare a letter to the Governor, North Carolina Council of State and Pender County Commissioners expressing their concerns about the location of the incinerator. Comments: Board Members: Mr. Coble reported that he had the opportunity to entertain the North Carolina Environmental Health Specialists. Mr. Blake expressed his concerns over unsanitary conditions in food service buffets. Ms. Dianne Harvell, Environmental Heal th I Director, stated that with additional staff she would to study this issue. Mr. Coble suggested that the Environmental Health Committee address the issue of food service buffets. I I I 1'09 Health Director: Mr Parker referred the Board to their packets which contained Cancer Fact Sheets concerning the deaths from Cancer in North Carolina and New Hanover County. Mr. Parker announced that the Health Department has received two awards from the National Association of Counties. These awards were for the New Hanover County Smoking Pollution Control Ordinance and the Pet Licensing by Veterinarians. Mr. Parker announced that the legislation for increasing the legal age to purchase cigarettes and tobacco products to 18 has passed the General Assembly. Mr. Parker recognized Dr. Joe Pat Hatem, Public Health Intern, from UNC at Chapel Hill. There being no further business, Mr. Blake adjourned the meeting at 10:55 A.M. ~~fl~ Mr. Donald P. Blake Chairman, Board of Health ~X-(J~ Robert S. (Bob) Parker Secretary to the Board Approved: ~ 'i , NEW HANOVER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY The New Hanover County Health Department policy regarding confidentiality of patient information and medical records is in accordance with laws which specifically address confidentially (GS 130A-12, GS 130A-143, GS 130A-212). All information concerning patients is strictly confidential and should only be discussed or shared: (1) with those specifically authorized by written consent of the patient, or others authorized to give consent for the patient; (2) when necessary to provide appropriate medical care (within our agency) except as described in GS 130A-143; (3) when necessary to protect the public health as provided by the rules of the Health Services Commission; (4) pursuant to subpoena or court order. Employees do not access patient medical records unless they are providing services to the patient. Failure to observe the policy regarding confidentiality is reason for suspension or dismissal and may subject the employee to a lawsuit. All employees will be required to sign a statement of understanding regarding this policy. 7-3-91