Loading...
06/03/1998 I I I J 45 Dr. Dennis L. Jackson, Chairman, called the regular business meeting of the New Hanover County Board of Health (NHCBH) to order at 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 3, 1998, in the Dr. Thomas Fanning Wood Memorial Conference Room, New Hanover County Health Department, Wilmington, North Carolina. Members Present: Dennis L. Jackson, DVM, Chairman William T. Steuer, PE/RLS, Vice-Chairman Thomas V. Clancy, MD Henry V. Estep Michael E. Goins, OD Robert G. Greer, County Commissioner Gela N. Hunter, Nurse Practitioner Wilson O'Kelly Jewell, DDS W. Edwin Link, Jr., RPH Anne Braswell Rowe Estelle G. Whitted, RN Members Absent: Others Present: David E. Rice, Health Director Lynda F. Smith, Assistant Health Director Frances F. De Vane, Recording Secretary Invocation: Mr. Estep gave the invocation. Minutes: Dr. Jackson called for corrections to the minutes of the May 6, 1998 New Hanover County Board of Health Meeting. The minutes of the meeting of May 6, 1998 were corrected and approved by the New Hanover County Board of Health. Recognitions: Mr. Rice introduced and welcomed the following new employee: New Employee Kimberly Roane, Administrative Assistant 3, Communicable Disease EDNCPHA Special Award Mr. Rice recognized Ms. Susan O'Brien, Laboratory Director, recipient of the Eastern District North Carolina Public Health Association (EDNCPHA) Special Award. He displayed the award presented to Ms. O'Brien on May 7, 1998, at the EDNCPHA Annual meeting in New Bern, North Carolina. Ms. O'Brien has served as EDNCPHA President, Vice President, President-Elect, Treasurer, chaired the Laboratory Section, has served on several committees. Also, she is the current editor of the EDNCPHA newsletter. Mr. Rice commended Ms. O'Brien for her 23 years of dedication and service to EDNCPHA. 14('; Southern Health Association President Mr. Rice announced Ms. O'Brien was elected President of Southern Health Association (SHA) I at their annual meeting on May 11, 1998. The SHA represents eight southern states with a membership of more than 7,000 public health workers. Mr. Rice congratulated Ms. O'Brien, newly elected President of SHA. On behalf of the Board of Health, Dr. Jackson welcomed Ms. Roane and complimented Ms. O'Brien for her public health achievements. Ms. Kristen Keen~ Pharmacy Student. Intern Mr. Link introduced Ms. Kristen King, Pharmacy Student Intern, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, to the Board. Ms. King is serving an internship at the Medicine Shop. Department Focal: "Trauma and the Public's Health" Dr. Thomas V. Clancy, Chief of Trauma Service, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, gave the departmental focal on "Trauma and the Public's Health", The focus of his presentation was consciousness raising of why trauma is a public health concern. Trauma is the fourth killer of the top 10 killers with heart disease, cancer, and stroke ranking first, second, and third. Medical expenses related to trauma are very expensive. One/third of these patients do not have health insurance. Dr. Clancy informed injuries from firearms are exceeding motor vehicle accidents. In 1994 the United States had 6.30% more firearm homicides than in other countries. It has more than 220 million firearms and more than 72 million handguns. Dr. Clancy recommended diligently addressing crime and violence in the United States by creating a nationwide database, establishing a national public campaign against crime and violence, providing federal funding, establishing bans on the use and ownership of firearms, passing stricter firearm regulations, and requiring mandatory sentencing for firearm violations. Dr. Clancy concluded trauma is no accident. Trauma is everybody's business. Traumatic injury is the public's health problem, extremely expensive, and preventable. He stated with the increase in trauma, there is a need for an injury prevention coordinator to coordinate a plan for injury/trauma prevention. Mr. Rice advised the health department is the recipient of a Handgun Safety Grant. A Handgun Awareness Class sponsored by the New Hanover County Sheriffs and Health Departments will be held from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. on June 5, 1998, at the health department. Following the classroom instruction, participants will go on June 6 to practice handgun safety at the New Hanover Sheriffs Department Firing Range. Mr. Rice informed this class is filled and another class will be offered in September 1998. Dr. Jackson thanked Dr. Clancy for his presentation on 'Trauma and the Public's Health." Health Education Position Reinstated in FY99 Dr. Jackson announced the Health Educator position was reinstated in the FY99 Budget by the New Hanover County Commissioners at the Public Hearing on June 1. He thanked Dr. Goins I I I I I ..-f,~ .::' "N b14 '( for his request to the County Commissioners. The position will be filled in January 1999. Dr. Clancy stated he was pleased the health department and county participated in the Communities That Care initiative. He thanked Dr. Goins for presenting his request on behalf of the Executive Committee to the County Commissioners for the Health Educator position. Committee Reports: Executive Committee Dr. Jackson, Chairman, Executive Committee, reported the Executive Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 1998. Items discussed are under New Business on the Board agenda. Environmental Health Committee Mr. Steuer, Chairman, Environmental Health Committee reported the Environmental Health Committee met at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 1998. Mr. Steuer notified during the past six months guidelines for the notification of sewage spills within the City of Wilmington have been addressed and developed. The City of Wilmington will provide media announcements of sewage spills more than 1,000 gallons that are determined an environmental or public health threat; provide a letter of agreement from Mrs. Mary Gornto, City Manager, indicating a guarantee that media announcements for 1,000 gallon or more sewage spills will be provided; and will notify the health department of all sewage spills. The Environment Health staff will continue to monitor all sewage spills which they report to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Mr. Steuer reported the Environmental Health Committee is studying Environmental Health fees and is obtaining more information. The Environmental Health Committee will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, at the health department. Unfinished Business: Board of Health Media Coverage Dr. Jackson appointed Mr. Estep media representative for the Board of Health. Dr. Jackson will keep Mr. Estep informed to provide more uniform information to the media and public. He stated Mr. Estep should be kept informed of news items for media release. Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Grant Dr. Jackson requested Ms. Rowe furnish additional information on the TANF Grant to the Board of Health. Ms. Rowe stated the Board of Health approved FY99 TANF funding ($28,374) at their May meeting. She explained the federal legislation entitled the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) passed in 1996 and welfare reform was instituted. The legislation replaced the AFDC program, JOBS, and Emergency Assistance (EA), and created the T ANF Block Grant. The purpose of T ANF Block Grant is to provide assistance to needy families, to promote job preparation, to promote work, to prevent out-of-wedlock pregnancies, to prevent teenage pregnancy, and to encourage the strength and maintenance of families. The grant mandates work requirements, school requirements and restrictions. Ms. Rowe referred the Board to additional information on the T ANF funding in their Board packets. 148 New Business: Project for Happier Lives Dr. Jackson stated District Judge Gilbert Burnett presented his revision of the Project For Happier Lives proposal to the Executive Committee on Tuesday, May 26, 1998. He stated the Executive Committee decided the Committee was not ready to recommend the Project For Happier Lives to the Board of Health at this time. The Executive Committee directed staff to research what other agencies are doing with Adolescence Pregnancy Prevention programs and to submit a report at the June Executive Committee meeting. Dr. Jackson reported Reverend Dr. J. Z. Windley, Minister First Baptist Church, Wilmington, presented a program he initiated in 1991 to reduce teenage pregnancy. The program provided services to 267 church members and there were only two pregnancies. Funding was partially provided by the Southern Baptist Convention and funding ran out in 1995. Mr. Greer requested the study of a teenage pregnancy prevention program initiated by the Girls, Inc. Dr. Jackson asked Mr. Rice to study plans focusing on adolescent pregnancy. Mr. Rice stated he will research adolescent pregnancy programs in other agencies, determine what is working, collect data regarding this issue, and report back to the Executive Committee and Board of Health. Dr. Jackson stated after the above information is received, the Executive Committee will make a recommendation to the Board of Health regarding the Project for Happier Lives Project. Animal Control Services Ordinance Amendment Recommendation from Executive Committee Dr. Jackson requested Mr. Rice present the proposed amendments to Chapter 3, Animals and Fowl, New Hanover County Code. Mr. Rice presented a recommendation for the following changes to the County Code: 1. Amend Section 3-3. Duties: a. Add to the last sentence of last paragraph of Section 3-3(g): The citation fines may be recovered by New Hanover County in a civil action in the nature of debt if the offender does not pay the penalty within seven (7) days after being cited, b. Amend Section 3-3(h), such that the first sentence is modified to read as follows: h) In addition to and/or in lieu of the above civil citation, the Animal Control Director may forthwith have a criminal complaint entered against the violator and secure and issue a warrant for his or her arrest or issue summons against such person to appear in Court. I I I I I I 11.49 .. 2, Amend Section 3-23. Violations as follow: Add at the end ofthe existing Section 3-23 the following section: In addition to and/or in lieu of the above criminal sanctions, New Hanover County may issue civil citations, in such amounts as established by the New Hanover County Board of Health, for any violation of this Chapter. Each separate violation hereunder shall constitute a distinct offense under this Chapter, These civil citation penalties may be recovered by the County in a civil action in the nature of debt if the offender does not pay the penalty within twenty (20) days after being cited. Mr. Rice explained the above changes to the County Ordinance should clarify that citations are in essence more of a civil issue than a criminal issue. Mr. Steuer asked why citations were considered a civil issue. Mr. Ron Currie, Animal Control Services Director, explained a citation was challenged by an attorney in Small Claims Court who indicated the county was charging a client for a civil issue when the wording in the County Code was criminal in nature. The revisions to the County Code should clarify the language issue and still provide an option if necessary to go to Criminal Court. Mr. Currie advised Mr. Kemp Burpeau, Assistant County Attorney, reviewed and recommended the proposed changes to the County Code as presented. MOTION: Dr. Jackson moved from the Executive Board for the Board of Health to approve the above changes to Chapter 3, Animals and Fowl, in the New Hanover County Code as presented and to submit the revisions to the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Health Fee Policy Changes Dr. Jackson requested Mr. Rice present fee policy changes to the Executive Committee. Mr. Rice informed revisions to the Environmental Health Fee Schedule are being studied and will be presented at a later date. He presented the following four changes to the New Hanover County Health Department Fee Policy, Section IV, Personal Health Divisions, pages 11-14: · Delete the word Accounts Receivable Clerk and substitute General Clinic Clerk · Immunization Fees - Per Injection . Hepatitis A (new) Pneumonia X-ray - Per film Prenatal Vitamins $25,00 20.00 30,00 12,00 package . Mr. Rice summarized Hepatitis A is a new injection in the General Clinic. Increases in charges include Pneumonia injections ($5.00 increase), X-ray per film - non TB related - ($10.00 increase), and prenatal vitamins per package ($4.00 increase). There is no charge for TB related x-ray films. Mr. Rice informed a health department fee for services must be equal to Medicaid reimbursement. '150 MOTION: Dr. Jackson moved from the Executive Board for the Board of Health to approve the revisions to the New Hanover County Health Department as presented and to submit the fee I policy revisions to the New Hanover County Commissioners for their consideration. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. FY 98-99 Recommended Budget Dr, Jackson requested Ms. Lynda Smith, Assistant Health Director, present the changes in the County Manager's Recommended Fiscal Year 98-99 Budget for the health department. Ms. Smith presented the changes to the budget request. She summarized originally only two new positions (Business Officer/Administration and Public Health Nurse 60% /Jail Health) were in the Recommended Budget. The Board of Health Executive Committee voted (Executive Committee meeting May 26) to appear before the County Commissioners during the budget hearing on June 1 to request the Health Educator position be reinstated to the budget. Dr. Goins gave a presentation to the County Commissioners and requested reinstatement of the Health Educator position. Ms. Rowe, Mr. Rice, and Ms. Smith also attended. Ms. Smith indicated several days later notification was received that the County Commissioners reinstated the Health Educator position in the Recommended Budget. The Health Educator position will be funded effective January 1, 1999. We were also notified of another change in our budget request which was the deletion of the boat in the Vector ControlÆnvironmental Health Budget. Ms, Smith explained currently three new positions are in the FY 98-99 Recommended Budget. I Salary and Fringe were reduced by the amount of the two positions not recommended (Clerical Specialist and Animal Control Officer). She advised a vacant Clerical Specialist position was reassigned to function as a Medical Records Clerk so the Clerical Specialist (Medical Records Clerk) position in the Family Planning FY99 Budget Request had been removed from the Budget Request. Operating and capital items were reduced $63,412. The reductions to the budget request now include 1 truck ($17,000), fuel ($1,596), and $960 for uniforms in Animal Control Services, 1 generator ($25,725) in Tuberculosis, and 1 boat ($18,131) in Vector ControlÆnvironmental Health Divisions. Ms. Smith advised other options are being reviewed regarding the generator and one may be available through Emergency Management Services. Dr. Goins inquired if the Animal Control Services Computer System approved by the Board of Health will be purchased from the current FY98 Budget. He also inquired if the funds for the system needed to be included in the FY99 Recommended Budget. Mr. Greer stated something will be done regarding acquisition of a computer system for Animal Control Services. He asked if the computer system request includes the 5 laptop computers. Mr. Rice explained the current computer request does not include five laptop computers for Animal Control Services. Dr. Jackson summarized the primary objective of the computer system was to take care of animal licensing and· citations. Management Information Systems has added additional capabilities to the computer system. The options for the Animal Control Services computer I system will be evaluated and initiated in phases. I I I 15ì Ms. Smith reported the Animal Control Services computer budget request was revised to $46,800, but was not on the County Commissioners Agenda; therefore, it will not be approved in FY 98. She also advised she had consulted with the Budget Director and Assistant County Manager, and possibly excess revenue earned this FY98 by Animal Control Services can be carried forward to fund the computer system or the County Commissioners may be asked to take this from the General Fund. Mr. Steuer inquired regarding the Vector ControlÆnvironmental Health boat since the boat was deleted from FY99 Budget. Mr. Rice stated he has worked cooperatively with both the county officials and budget staff during the budget process. Ms. Rowe expressed her appreciation to the Budget Committee and to the County Commissioners for their assistance on the budget. Performance Evaluation of Mr. Rice. Health Director Dr. Jackson advised the Executive Committee completed the sixth-month performance evaluation for Mr. David E. Rice, Health Director. Dr. Jackson commended Mr. Rice for the receipt of an extremely good performance evaluation. Mr. Rice has successfully completed his probationary period. Therefore, permanent status will be awarded to him. Mr. Rice expressed his appreciation to the Board of Health for their support and for his performance appraisal. Board Members: Dr. Jackson again thanked Dr. Goins for his request to the County Commissioners for reinstatement to budget of the Health Educator position in the Health Promotion Division. Dr. Clancy echoed his appreciation to Dr. Goins and to the Board for their support of the reinstatement of a new Health Educator to assist in injury prevention. He reported the Carolina Medical Trauma Service at the hospital has funded additional resources in injury prevention. Health Director: Carolina Access Overview Mr. Rice reported on May 13, 1998, Carolina Access representatives made a presentation on Primary Care Coordination to both staff and Board of Health members. The goal of Carolina Access is to provide a more effective health care system for Medicaid recipients and to link Medicaid recipients with a primary care provider to coordinate their health care services. 152 Pilot County for Food Ratings <iJ' I Mr. Rice announced New Hanover County Health Department was selected as one of six pilot counties to begin on August 1 the posting of numerical scores instead of the alphabetical letter grades now in use. Ms. Dianne Harvell, Environmental Health Director, and the Environmental Health Staff will participate, evaluate, and report on this pilot program for one year. The North Carolina Commission for Health Services will decide whether to continue or expand the program. Mr. Rice stated the North Carolina Restaurant Association was supportive of the proposed food rating system. At the December Board of Health meeting, Mr. John Coble, President, Association of North Carolina Boards of Health, made a presentation supportive of the numerical grading system and the health department's application for a pilot county. Mr, Steuer inquired if any eating establishments are exempt from public health food ratings. Ms. Harvell informed exemptions are private clubs which meet IRS exemptions and fund raising food operations in operation for 48 hours every 45 days. Tobacco Control Legislation Mr. Rice referred the Board to a Letter to the Editor, Morning Star News, and to letters to U. S. I Senators, he has written in support of The National Tobacco Policy and Smoking Reduction Act (SI415) introduced by Senator John McCain. Ramp Construction Completion - July 20. 1998? Mr. Rice reported construction began in May on the ramp located at the front entry of the New Hanover County Health Department. Ms. Smith advised the front entrance will be closed next month. The project should be completed in by the end of July. Development of Automation Plan Mr. Rice advised with the assistance of Mr. Bill Clontz, MIS Director, and Mr. Ross, Systems Support Manager, MIS; Ms. Smith and he have been working on the development of an automation plan for the health department. The plan incudes software standardization (Corel: WordPerfect, Lotus, etc.), inventory of computer equipment, networking staff located offsite (Animal Control Services, Jail, Vector Control), decision and coordination regarding Human/Soft or HSIS, usage of GIS system, and development of health department web pages. I I I I IS?: APEX/PH Mr. Rice informed the Board the AEIOU Team has identified 60 strengths of the New Hanover County Heath Department. He will present a report on the Health Department strengths to the employees at the staff meeting on Thursday, June 11, and to the Board of Health on Wednesday, July 1. '---- Other Business: Picture Displayed of Mr. David E. Rice~ Health Director Ms. Smith informed the Board of the picture of Mr. Rice recently placed beside the preceding Health Directors of New Hanover County Health Department. The pictures are displayed in the Dr, Thomas Fanning Wood Conference Room. Adjourn: There being no other business, the regular business meeting of the Board of Health was adjourned at 10: 10 a. m. ~ Dennis L. Jackson, DVM, C lrman New Hanover County Bo of Health David E. Rice, M.P.H., M.A., Health Director New Hanover County Health Department Approved: