07/03/1991 BOH Minutes
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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.
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American Red Cross Blood Drive
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mr. Donald P. Blake
Chairman, Board of Health
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Robert S. (Bob) Parker
Secretary to the Board
Approved:
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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