Monday, May 7, 2012

Interim Health Board


Report:  Interim Riley County Public Health Advisory Board
12:00 PM   Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Submitted by Sue Cohen
The Interim Advisory Board provided approval of the bylaws and the updated charter resolutions, which will enable the Riley County Public Health Advisory Board to finally be formed and to begin functioning.
Discussion of requiring term limits demonstrated two issues at odds.  Susanne Kufahl, Administrator of the Health Department, strongly encouraged opening up the recruiting of members by limiting terms, so then more people become familiar with the Health Department’s activities and accomplishments. Karen McCulloh stressed the need to find good members and indicated it takes some time to “get up to speed” as a member of a board.
It was decided to recommend having three-year terms, allowing two terms only before going off the board.   The importance of having board members from “users” of the Health Department brought attention to some of the problems with this idea in that it is difficult to find “users” who have time for board meetings and strong commitments over the time it takes to understand and function as an informed board member. Ms. Kufahl noted that grant audits often want broad representation and communication with users of the Health Department. It was suggested that “focus groups” could be used to provide this kind of input.
Other characteristics of good Board candidates suggested are: (a) not having an “axe to grind” and (b) having a public health orientation. The charter indicates that the Advisory Board will have five members from the health professions and four members from the community -- users if possible.  Susanne Kufahl also indicated that it is important to include on the board people who reflect the community in terms of age, race, culture, and variety of work experiences.
Two issues that will be large on the agenda of the new Advisory Board are the budget, which can be very complicated, and accreditation, which Susanne Kufahl stated was “not a burden but it is very important to do it right.” After approval by the County Commissioners, the procedure for seeking board members will begin.

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