Teton District Board of Health

MEETING MINUTES

TETON DISTRICT BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING

July 13, 2012

I.                Call to Order    Chair, D. Shlim called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.   

II.              Quorum Pronouncement by Chair    D. Shlim declared a quorum with B. Blue, T. Riddell, D. Forman, W. Holmes, P. Trudelle by phone, S. Owens by phone present with T. Gregory in attendance.

III.            Adoption of Agenda   Agenda was adopted as published. 

IV.            Discussion of Correspondence  - No correspondence was received. 

V.              Public Comment    No comment.

VI.            Old Business

A.      Determination of BOH Policy to Allow CHO  Leave of Absence  - D. Shlim presented the topic, adding that Dr. J. Little sent him a letter of resignation, so the policy discussion is not currently germane to this meeting.  D. Shlim asked the Board if there was consensus on that point.  There was general agreement that the policy decision would need to be made.  B. Blue advocated for a formal appointment of a deputy county health officer.  D. Shlim stated that a policy needs to be developed around that issue as well.  D. Shlim spoke to J. Greenbaum and has agreed to continue to serve as the deputy, is not interested in the position himself, and is willing to serve without financial reimbursement for time.  S. Owens asked if J. Little would continue to serve until he left the community, approximately August 6,  and voiced appreciation to the fact that J. Greenbaum was willing to continue.  D. Forman asked about the qualifications of the deputy in relation to public health.  D. Shlim stated the current deputy is in the position, has the qualifications, and so makes a good interim. 

B.      Determination of CHO Appointment  - D. Shlim reviewed the previous appointment for a CHO, outlined in the Bylaws of the BOH, setting of criteria for the position, and identifying the process to appoint a CHO, including advertising.   T. Gregory stated that the process would be the same process as the County has identified for volunteer boards.  Further discussion of criteria for the position occurred, including MD, DO, currently in practice, primary care specialty, residency in Teton County.  The general discussion was to create the advertisement based on the State Job Description criteria, with the exception of the primary care specialty.  T. Gregory stated she would seek approval of the State Health Officer to remove the specialty requirement.  D. Forman motioned to accept the resignation of Dr. Jim Little from his position as Teton County Health Officer with thanks and in recognition of his 35 years of service, effective when he leaves the county, expected to be within the month; B. Blue seconded, motion carried unanimously.   D. Forman motioned to proceed in the standard  practice of Teton County to seek a replacement; T. Riddell seconded; motion carried unanimously.  S. Owens pointed out the need for a defined policy on absences of the CHO and the deputy covering.  D. Shlim agreed to the need for a policy in the future; he stated that he preferred the CHO appoint/recommend a deputy until a policy is formed.  Dr. Shlim then directed the Board to review the application as presented by T. Gregory, which included a curriculum vitae; D. Forman asked about three recommendations and the need for a background check.  B. Blue pointed out that those requirements are not Teton County requirements.  D. Shlim stated that could be determined at a later date since most physicians are going to be known by the Board.  The question of references was discussed.  It was generally agreed that the initial screening would be done and if further information was needed references would be asked of all candidates accepted by screening.  D. Shlim discussed interviewing of applicants, asked if the Board was comfortable with interviewing those who pass the screening process.  D. Shlim discussed conflicts of interest, asking if those with a conflict should participate in the screening or interviewing process; the consensus was no.  D. Shlim stated that a couple of Special Meetings may need to be scheduled during this process so that the decision for a CHO is made prior to the October meeting.  The job description from the State was agreed to remain the same without any changes to be recommended to Dr. W. Braund other than the specialty in primary care.  P. Trudelle left the meeting at 9:33 a.m.  T. Gregory stated that there are additional requirements through the All Hazards Program at the State that is not included in the Job Description which has additional funding for these requirements; $12,000 per year.  D. Shlim asked the question regarding who should appoint the Deputy, the agreement was to have the CHO designate the Deputy rather than go through a separate search process.  The deputy would be available if the CHO was not available through current communications systems.  The $6,930 would be the only published salary for the position.  D. Forman raised the question of the need for a background checks; T. Gregory stated she would check with Dr. W. Braund. 

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VII.         Matters from Board, County Health Officer and County Manager

VIII.       Adjournment   Chair called the meeting adjourned at 9:47 a.m. 

Approved: ___________________ Date: ____________

Next Meeting Scheduled for October 16, 2012