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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-28-1978 Board of Health MinutesPLAINVIEW-HALE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH MINUTES September 28, 1978 The regular monthly meeting of the Plainview -Hale County Board of Health was held on September 28, 1978 at K -Bob's Steak House. Those attending were: Mr. Oliver Hanel, Dr. Hugh H. Wilson, Jr., Mr. Bud Law, Dr. Richard Morgan, Dr. C. L. Busby, Dr. C. M. Baldwin, Judge Henry Heck, Dr. G. W. Wagner, Mr. Lloyd Wood, Mr. Bill Sorelle, Mr. Tom Almon, Mr. Medlin Carpenter, Mr. Lloyd Goldston, Mr. Tom Wheeler, Mr. Henry Rieff, Mr. Ronald Morris, Mrs. Mary Lou Truesdale, Mrs. Billie Jo Newsom, Dr. John P. Board, Jr., Director of Region 2, Mr. Marshall Pharr, Mrs. Hugh Wilson, and Mr. Jeane Browning. The meeting was called to order by Dr. Baldwin, the chairman. The minutes of the August meeting were approved as circulated. A motion was made by Mr. Law, and seconded by Dr. Morgan that the bills for August be paid. A letter of resignation from Dr. Wagner was presented to the Board by Dr. Baldwin, who expressed deep appreciationoon behalf of himself and the Board, to Dr. Wagner, for the exceptional service that he has rendered to the Plainview -Hale County Health Department, and to the Plainview Board of Health. Dr. Baldwin then read to the Board, a letter from Mayor Wayland and the Plainview City Council, expressing their gratitude to Dr. Wagner for his faithful and dedicated service to the City of Plainview. Judge Heck conveyed thanks to Dr. Wagner on the part of the Hale County Commissioners. Dr. Wagner responded by saying that it was his desire that the high quality of service offered by the Health Department be continued, and that he is sure that such will be the ease. In commenting on the proposed organizational changes neces- sitated by his resignation, Dr. Wagner briefly explained that there is pending legislation proposing that any health unit serving a population of less than 75,000 would come under Regional Supervision, effective September 1, 1979. If the Plainview milt accepts this plan now, it will be coming one year prior to inception by legislation. Dr. John Board, Region 2 Director, was then introduced to the membership by Dr. Baldwin. Dr. Board explained further that any local milt which is serving less than 75,00 population, probably cannot afford to maintain a staff of seven- teen people which as considered basic for a Health Department. The proposed plan is for these smaller Health units to come under Regional supervision, being augmented by regional staffing. Dr. Board stressed that the autonomy of the local unit will remain. Dr. Board stated that it is not the intention of the State Health Department to "take over" the local unit, but that their desire is to co-ordinate with local units to maintain services at present or improved levels. He said that three pieces of legislation will be necessary before this plan can be adopted state-wide. These will be presented to the 1979 legislature. Dr. Board said that, should the Plainview unit adopt this plan, that little or no major changes are expected to be made. The State Health Department will expect local units coming under regional supervision to maintain their present level of funding. The purpose of Region 2 in this proposed plan, is to provide services to those who have no local unit, and to support existing units. Dr. Board then opened the floor I. for any questions. Dr. Wilson asked for a comparison of costs, if any, between regional super- vision and local direction. Dr. Board answered that there would be no cost increase with regional supervision, because regional personnel would continue, as they are now, to be paid by the state, and that the region would provide administrative supervision only, not clinician work. In the discussion that followed, it was pointed out that the $1,100.00 per month that has been being paid to the local director would remain in the budget, but that this amount would be re -apportioned at the local level. The question was asked, what action, if any, would need to be taken in view of the vacancy left by Dr. Wagner's absence as Plainview City Health Officer. Dr. Board replied that the Board may appoint a physician to fill this office, providing one can be found. Dr. Board further stated that should Plainview adopt the regional supervision plan, it will be a pilot program and subject to a close scrutiny by the State Health Department officials. The arrangements will not be considered concrete, but will be subject to any changes the local Health Board deems necessary; adding that he would be laison person between the State Health Department and Plainview - Hale County Board of Health, and that the local board would retain its present autonomy. A discussion followed on what the needs are for physician's services under the regional administrative plan, and mays in which these may be funded, with reference to re -allocation of present funding. Mrs. Truesdale remarked that she is prepared to cooperate fully in working under Dr. Board's direction, if the Health Board should decide to adopt the pro- posed plan. Mrs. Truesdale also gave reasons for her insistance on retention of family planning clinics in Hale Center. Mr. Carpenter of the Plainview City Council, stated that there would be no reservation on the part of City Council members in cooperating with Dr. Board. Dr. Wilson sounded a note of caution about accepting a plan that has not been legislated, or officially put into operation, yet. Dr. Wilson moved that the Board accept the offer of regional administration for one month only, giving the Board members more time to further consider and investigate other possibilities, and to review this matter in more detail, Dr. Wilson requested that Mrs. Truesdale bring a detailed outline of the Director's Duties to the next Board of Health meet- ing. The motion was seconded by Mr. Law. Motion carried. Mrs. Truesdale urged that out -of -Plainview services by the Health Department be reviewed in a joint meeting of city and county officials. Dr. Wilson moved that the meeting be adjourned. Mr. Harmel seconded the motion. Meeting adjourned. Respectively submitted, Billie Jo Newsom, Secretary, Plainview -Hale County Health Department I 1 I