Title:
Health Department Governance and Oversight (Commissioner Puckett)
Summary
ACTION:
Direct the Board Chair to appoint an ad hoc committee to investigate options available to change the current method of governance and oversight of the Mecklenburg County Health Department and make recommendations as appropriate to that end
Commission Contact: Commissioner Jim Puckett and Co-sponsors Chair Scarborough and Commissioner Cotham
Presentation: Yes
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
In light of the continued calls from the public for reform and better oversight of operations in the Health Department, as well as concerns heard both from and on behalf of employees and clients, I am asking the BOCC to consider a change in governance of the Mecklenburg County Health Department. Our current structure places all responsibility for hiring, management oversight and evaluation of the Director of Health and by extension the Health Department, solely in the hands of the County Manager. The current structure does not require the Manager seek advice from nor does it provide a process insuring the Manager be aided by anyone in the medical/healthcare field. With all due respect, county managers (current and past) lack the training and experience within the healthcare field to make properly analytical decisions regarding public health oversight or offer proficient medical/health related diagnostic and methodological suggestions and recommendations.
PROCUREMENT BACKGROUND:
N/A
POLICY IMPACT:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A