HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-28-1988 Board of Health MinutesBOARD OF HEALTH
APRIL 28, 1988
The monthly meeting of the Plainview -Hale County Health District Board of
Directors was called to order at 12:30 P.M. by Chairman Lanny Voss.
Those attending were: Lanny Voss, Anthony A. Lyons, M.D., Mary Lou
Truesdale, R.N., Dorothy Tilson, Jim Jeffers, Gene Ridlehuber, Dr. Mary
Bublis, Tom Aday, Donna Womble, R.N., Nina Morris, Lewelien Hooper and
Dr.. Gary Abercrombie. Also present were Sonny Walker,Representative for
Mouser Insurance Agency and Billie Standefer, Secretary.
The Chairman asked for approval of the minutes of the last meeting, and
after corrections were made, declared the minutes approved as presented.
The Board then reviewed the bills for March, 1988. After a motion made by
Dorothy Tilson and seconded by Donna Womble, the Board voted approval of
payment of the March bills.
The Chairman at this time recognized Sonny Walker, and asked that he ex-
plain the benefits and coverage of the Professional Liability Insurance
that had been purchased by the Health District. Sonny began his explain-
ation by giving the dates of coverage of the policy, stating that the dates
on the face of the policy were from March 27, 1988 to March 27, 1989; but
he explained further that the coverage was retroactive to March of 1985.
It was determined that the policy covered Medical Malpractice Acts but was
not a Director's Liability. As an example, it was explained that if suit
were ,brought by patients against the Health District or against employees,
there would be: coverage, but if the Board made a decision to discontinue
service in a particular instance, and suit was brought, there would be no
coverage. After an indepth discussion concerning the policy held by the
Board, it was a decision of the Chairman that Sonny Walker again review_.
the present policy and past policies to see if the Health District and
its Directors had satisfactory coverage. He was to report his findings
to Mary Lou.
Here Chairman Lanny Voss turned the meeting
Chairman Tilson recognized City Manager Jim
did have a Public Official's and Director's
not cover the Health District.
to Vice Chairman Dorothy Tilson.
Jeffers. Jim stated that the City
Policy, but that this policy did
Mary Lou Truesdale was asked by the Chairman to read the guidelines for
Food Service Establishments critera and scoring regulations. In a discussion
that followed, Mayor Gene Ridlehuber expressed concern with the posting of
scoring of Food Service Establishments, and stated that he had been asked
by several concerned citizens if the scores for these establishments would
be posted in the Hale County Court House and at City Hall. Mary Lou explain-
ed that the scores wereto be posted in the establishment's working area
as an aid to the employees to improve problem areas. However, she went on to
explain that Richard Orr, reporter from the Plainview Daily Herald, would be
covering the Board meetings, and that all scores were a matter of Public
Record.
Mary Lou shared also that letters had been sent to all establishment operators,
informing them that beginning at the May meeting, scores from April would be
made available to the Board for both compliments and criticisms.
Dr. Abercrombie suggested that the making public of the scores of Food Service
Establishments be delayed until Insurance coverage was fully understood, and
sited that this could be a perfect example of the time the Sanitarian could
have a problem and not be fully covered by insurance. He also suggested that
a Public Hearing would help the Food Establishment people to better under-
stand the situation. He placed in the form of a motion the Board's delaying
implementing routine notification to the Board of Food Establishment inspect-
ion scores until the question of Liability Insurance for the Board be resolved.
The motion was seconded by Dr. Mary Bublis. The motion carried.
Donna Womble stated the the scoring process would vary from day to day, and
suggested quarterly reports, rather than monthly reports. She then made the
motion that a Public Hearing be held before scoring was implemented. Dr. Gary
Abercrombie seconded the motion. The motion carried.
The Chairman asked for Budget Proposal discussion, and Mrs. Truesdale stated
the major change was the request for a Sanitarian Technician and Fringe
for the Technician. Minor changes were noted in Office Supplies and Employee
Reimbursements. Dr. Gary Abercrombie made the motion to present the Proposed
Budget to the City for review and approval. Donna Womble seconded the motion.
A vote by the Board carried the motion.
In Dr. Lyons' report to the Board, he stated that the Health District was
running smoothly, and internal changes were being made to improve personnel
efficency. He sited an epidemic of Influenza and an increase in Hepatitis A
in diseases being reported,with some cases of Gastro Enteritis.
Mrs. Truesdale's report indicated that the Family Planning situation had
quieted at this time. She stated that she had had a joint meeting with Mr.
Naddera, Mr. Carr and Ms. Gillett. She shared with the Board the fact that a
Family Planning Outreach worker had been hired by Caprock Community Action,
and that at this time the major problem was getting Physician staffing for
evening Clinics. Also; Nursing staff for these Clinics would be required.
She mentioned that a June starting date is being discussed.
In closing, the Chairman asked for a vote to establish excused absences for
Dr. Kit Linton and Weaver McClure. Motion was made by Lewellen Hooper and
seconded. by Dr. Mary Bublis to allow the absences. The Chairman asked the
Board to consider the possibility of having a member of a Food Service
Establishment serve on the Board if and when a position was open.
At the Chairman's request for adjournment; Donna Womble made the motion that
the meeting adjourn. Dr. Mary Bublis seconded the motion. The meeting was
adjourned.
Billie Standefer
Secretary