WC CWF Health District Board Minutes - 12/17/1999WICHITA FALLS - WICHITA COUNTY PUBLIC
PLACE: Wichita Falls- Wichita County Public Health D
TIME: 12:15 p.m.
DATE: December 17, 1999
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
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By R!� Time �' Q
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Peggy Scott, Chairperson
C. J. Lippard, Vice - Chairperson
Michael Brooking, DVM, Secretary
Sam R. Landers, DDS
Diane Stewart, RN
Susan M. Strate, MD
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Dewey Nicholson, PE
HEALTH DISTRICT Barbara J. Clements, RNC, Director of Health
REPRESENTATIVES: Elia C. Dimitri, MD, MPH., Assoc. Medical Director
Reuben A. Warren, Jr., Assistant Director of Health
Barbara Sapp, Recording Secretary
WICHITA CO. REPRESENTATIVE: Joe Miller, MD, County Commissioner
WICHITA FALLS CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE: Robert Powers, Ass't City Manager
WICHITA FALLS CITY COUNCIL: Bill Altman, City Councilor
MINUTES:
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Ms. Scott at 12:15 p.m.
II. Approval of Minutes
Ms. Stewart made a motion that the minutes of October 22, 1999 be approved
and Mr. Lippard seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
III. Next Meeting Date
The next scheduled meeting date will be February 25, 2000
Page 1 of 3 Pages
Agenda Item No.
Page 2
IV. FY 2000 Budget - Barbara J. Clements, Director
Ms. Clements distributed copies of the FY 2000 Financial Report and explained
the various sources of funding the Health District receives. She commented that the
report is not easily compared to the City's budget publication due to the difference in
funding calendar years.
(Dr. Strate arrived 12:30 p.m.)
Dr. Miller inquired about the County funding and how this came about. Ms.
Clements stated that the Health District and Wichita County have an inter -local
agreement to provide certain services within the County. Dr. Strate inquired about the
cost of living increase approved for employees and how the amount was derived. Mr.
Altman answered her question.
Ms. Scott had to leave due to an emergency at this time (12:35 p.m.) Mr.
Lippard chaired in her absence.
Dr. Dimitri asked about the school budget and if the Health District lost any
personnel as a result of W.F.I.S.D. administering their own school health program.
Mrs. Clements commented that 22 employees were lost as a result of terminating this
service.
Ms. Clements further explained that each year the Health District receives
incentive funding during the fiscal year from Texas Department of Health. These
incentive funds will result in actual expenditures exceeding the proposed budget.
When comparing Health District funding from year -to -year, it is more meaningful to
compare the revised amount to the proposed amount, instead of comparing proposed
amounts each year.
V. Children's Health Insurance Program - Barbara J. Clements, Director
Ms. Clements first defined the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and
distributed written information regarding the program. She explained that CHIP is
intended for children who do not qualify for Medicaid. Dr. Miller added that a part of the
tobacco settlement fund's interest would be available to assist families unable to meet
the monthly premiums due to emergency situations.
Ms. Clements continued to explain that the Health District has applied for a grant
from the Health and Human Services Commission to do CHIP outreach in our
community. Four grant applications were submitted for this area. We should receive
notice in mid January if we are selected.
Ms. Clements also mentioned that the program has already generated many
phone calls from the public requesting information about how to apply for CHIP.
Several City employees have inquired about possibly applying for CHIP for their
dependents. She expressed concern about the CHIP requirement that children must
be uninsured for 90 days before they are eligible to enroll. This situation would pose a
risk for those who decide to let current coverage lapse in order to become CHIP
eligible.
Mr. Lippard inquired if it is possible for employers to assist families by making
payroll deductions for the premiums. Ms. Clements stated that she was not sure if
there is a mechanism designed for this provision. She offered to follow -up with an
answer at the next Board meeting.
Page 2 of 3 Pages
Agenda Item No.
Page 3
VI. Other Business
A. Excused Absences
Dr. Landers' absence was excused at his request for missing the
October 22, 1999 meeting.
B. Recognition of Board Members:
Ms. Scott had to leave due to an emergency and Mr. Nicholson was not present.
Ms. Clements stated that we would invite both outgoing members to the next meeting in
February to recognize them at that time.
Dr. Brooking was re- appointed to the Board. Dr. Russell Porter and Mr. Gregory
Stockton were appointed as new Board members to replace Ms. Scott and
Mr. Nicholson.
Dr. Strate and Dr. Dimitri commented about Methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA) in regard to transferring patients from the hospital to extended or long-
term care facilities. They are reviewing hospital records and other information to
determine if this condition results in any delay for patients awaiting transfer. Ms.
Clements commented that Dr. Dennis Perrotta, TDH Epidemiologist, recently
commented that this is a relatively common concern presented to his office. He
suggested that if a problem is identified the Health District Board might want to consider
the matter further. The Board members continued with a brief discussion about long-
term care policies and the use of universal precautions.
VII. Adjourn
It was motioned by Ms. Stewart and seconded by Dr. Brooking to adjourn.
Motion carried unanimously.
I'
Barbara A. ...
Recording Secretary
Michael Brooking, Secretary
Public Health Board
Page 3 of 3 Pages
Agenda Item No. —