HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991/10/07 - Board of Health MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
OCTOBER 7, 1991
The Board of Health was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Chairperson Laura E. Porter.
ATTENDANCE: Laura Porter, Chairperson
William O. Hunter, Board Member
Michael D. Gibson, Board Member
J. Joanne Hoover, M.D., Health Officer
Brad Banner, Health Services Director
Sharon Bisser, Health Services/Nursing Director
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:Board Member Gibson/Hunter moved and seconded to approve the
minutes for July, August & September. Motion carried unanimously. G-aye; H-aye; P-aye.
ADMINISTRATION
CONTRACT EXTENSION - DEPARTMENT OF CHILD & FAMILY SERVICE
Sharon Bisser, Nursing Director, presented a contract extension with the Department of Child
& Family Service. The contract extends from September 30 to December 31, 1991. Everything
else in the contract is the same.
Board Member Gibson/Hunter moved and seconded to authorize the extension of the contract
through December 31, 1991.
Board Member Gibson/Hunter moved and seconded to amend to authorize the chairperson to
sign the contract. Motion carried unanimously. G-aye; H-aye; P-aye.
Board Member Gibson/Hunter moved and seconded to reconsider the first motion. Motion
carried unanimously. G-aye; H-aye; P-aye.
The first motion was to;
Board Member Gibson/Hunter moved and seconded to authorize the extension of the contract
through December 31, 1991. Motion failed unanimously. G-aye; H-aye; P-aye.
Board Member Gibson/Hunter moved and seconded to recommend the Board of Commissioners
sign the contract. Motion carried unanimously. G-aye; H-aye; P-aye.]
CONTRACT - MASON COUNTY SPECIAL SERVICES COOPERATIVE
Ms. Bisser presented a contract with the Mason County Special Services Cooperative for the
Health Services/Personal Health to provide eight hours per week of qualified nursing staff
time to the 0 - 3 year program and 3 - 5 year preschool program.
Board Member Gibson/Hunter moved and seconded to recommend the Board of County
Commissioners sign the contract with Mason County Special Services Cooperative. Motion
carried unanimously. G-aye; H-aye; P-aye.
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
OCTOBER 7, 1991 - PAGE 2
CLERICAL SALARY
Brad Banner, Health Services Director, stated that he still needs to meet with the Budget
Director on the clerical salary schedule.
Chairperson Porter stated that perhaps after this meeting the Board could meet or he could
schedule a special meeting.
PERSONAL HEALTH
HEALTH OFFICER'S REPORT
Dr. Hoover informed the Board that KIRO is having a whole series of presentations on lead
poisoning (lead levels) in children. She commented that the timing is awkward for those in
public health in that the Center for Disease Control is going to release new guidelines for the
management of lead poisoning in children. They will lower the level that is thought to be
dangerous. Some people are even recommending that it be routine to take blood samples from
kids from age six months to six years in order to see what their lead levels are. Four counties
in the state now:King, Pierce,Snohomish and Thurston are doing some pilot studies to see what
lead levels are in kids. KIRO is coming in early on this to raise awareness. They are telling
people to call their local health departments.
She noted that they have received a series of faxes from Olympia about this. The local health
department is not equipped to do sampling of lead poisoning. There is not adequate staff to
do this. The County can't get involved without state or federal help. Most counties are not in
a position to respond to this.
Board Member Hunter questioned what a blood test would cost for lead.
Dr. Hoover responded, probably $20 - $30. This fee similar to the fee charged when trying to
get something analyzed, i.e. water testing.
She noted that she would keep the Board updated on this.
INFECTION CONTROL POLICY
Brad Banner, Health Services Director, presented a draft Infection Control Policy which was
revised on September 16, 1991. He stated in substance it is not any different than the previous
draft. He noted that clarifications were made due to input from Chairperson Porter; Al
Brotche, Auditor and Marley Young, Public Works Director. The immunization part was
clarified with alternatives outlined.
People that have had work related exposure to AIDS and would have the option to be tested
could be assured of confidentiality.
Board Member Gibson/Hunter moved and seconded the Mason County Board of Health adopt
the revised September 16, 1991 draft Mason County Infection Control Policy,effective 8:00 a.m.
Motion carried unanimously. G-aye; H-aye; P-aye.
Board Member Gibson added that the policy will go into effect on October 8, 1991 at 8:00 a.m.
as noted in the September 9, 1991 Board of Health minutes.
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
OCTOBER 7, 1991 - PAGE 3
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
VARIANCES
Mr. Banner presented the Board with variance reports for July - September, 1991. He stated
that he wanted to inform the Board on the variances requested. The staff goes over the
variances and then Dr. Hoover reviews them. They are written up after they are reviewed with
the Health Officer.
Chairperson Porter questioned what happens when they reduce the separation between a septic
system and well. She questioned who does monitoring or takes responsibility for additional
costs which may be associated with decreased separation.
Mr. Banner stated they contact the neighbor and see if they will sign a statement of "lack of
objection."
Dr. Hoover has the right to approve the variance regardless of what the neighbor wants;
however, they like to consider the neighbor's views. There is the option of referring to the
State for advice and consent; and referring to the Board of Health. The Health Services
Department doesn't do any additional monitoring, because they don't grant variances if
monitoring is needed.
OFFICE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
Mr. Banner stated that he showed the Board this matter during the team management briefing
time.
Chairperson Porter stated the proposal is to try and solicit a citizen volunteer to upgrade office
systems. They are going to try and see if someone with qualifications will come forward.
TWO-TIERED SEPTIC DESIGNER REQUIREMENTS
The Board was presented with designer requirements for two-tiered septic systems. Mr. Banner
stated that this is just a new policy. It is not one to address the concept of a full designer
program. It was designed to address provisions in the State regulations that the County hasn't
been observing. Right now installers go ahead and present a sketch or plot plan showing how
they will install their systems when there is less than 3' separation. Currently, the department
has been letting the homeowner and installer design those. Next year they would like to add
a one page test for the installers that wish to be licensed. He commented that he didn't know
how it would affect the overall designer system.
He added the new State regulations, when they are passed, will require that any time there is
less than 3' there is at least a pressure distribution and that would put it into the full fledged
designers.
Chairperson Porter questioned if that legislation will be considered this session.
Mr. Banner stated it is a WAC.
Chairperson Porter asked where the new test section came from for the installer.
Mr. Banner responded they will have to make it up.
MASON COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH
OCTOBER 7, 1991 - PAGE 4
Chairperson Porter asked if it would be a locally produced test. If s/he can pass it will s/he be
a level one designer and be certified to do a 2 - 3' vertical separation designs?
Mr. Banner added that part of the new Environmental Health Specialist's responsibility will
be dealing with this.
ADJOURNED
The meeting adjourned at 4:23 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rebecca S. Rogers
Clerk of the Board
MASON COUNTY HEALTH BOARD
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Lau a E. Porter, irp son
Michael D. Gibson, Board Me b
William O. Hunter, Board Member