MINUTES OF MEETING
SHARON BOARD OF HEALTH
June 6, 2011
A meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was held on Monday, June 6, 2011, beginning at 7:30 PM at the Sharon Town Office Building. In attendance were Suzi Peck, Chair; Jay Schwab, Vice-Chair, Stan Rosen, Andrew Stead, and Ed Welch. .. Jim Andrews, Health Agent for Engineering, was also present.
Bill Iannucci re: Bid for 2011-2013 - Health Agent for Sanitary Inspections/Enforcement
Mr. Iannucci, who has been handling the job for the last two years, provided the board with an update of activities. He noted that he gets along with the residents of the town, has built up a close relationship with departments and staff. He mentioned, as an example, that he has worked closely with Bill Fowler on a long standing housing issue; others have had a difficult time dealing with the individual; after investing a good deal of time he developed a good relationship and gained access to facility; expects goal should be reached within the next couple of weeks. He mentioned three new facilities ( Sharon Express, remodeling of Unitarian Church, and Mick Morgan’s) with which he spent time reviewing and inspecting. He has made phone calls and written letters in between inspections. He stated he takes plans home to review...never submits any additional hours; He helped to deal with the issue of pot luck suppers....came up with BOH guidelines following state guidelines. His
connections with state DPH are helpful...provides an open line. Every time he inspects a facility he asks if they’re aware of new allergen awareness requirement...has found most are aware. Stan Rosen disclosed that he is participating in interviewing someone who is, in part, supervised by his wife. Ed Welch stated that he believes Bill has done a great job during his two years in Town.
Salvation Army: Present: Linda Beadle, FNP, Health Care Consultant; Jen Forster, Assistant Camp Director, and Captain Armida Lamarr, camp director. Also present: Sheila Miller, who conducts the camp inspections for the BOH.
The camp representatives requested a waiver from an aspect of the camp regulations which had just recently come to light during an MHOA update Sheila attended (although it has been in place since 2000), i.e., the requirement for the health supervisor (to be present “at all times”) in an overnight camp with greater than 150 campers and staff to be: a Registered Nurse or LPN, a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Suzi Peck expressed BOH concerns, i.e., how can the BOH be certain protection in place is adequate for the children. The camp proposed that Robin Babbitt, who, although she is not a licensed practitioner as required by law, has worked for the camp for many years and is, in the opinion of the administrative staff, highly capable and qualified to do the job.
In addition, there is a part-time RN, Toni O’Neil, as well as Linda Beadle, who serves as Health Care Consultant. This season there will also be an EMT on camp at all times.
Linda Beadle stated she has been the health care consultant for 10+ years....has worked with Robin for years....trusts her judgment and assessment skills. Linda is at camp a full day on each opening day of each session (sessions are generally 6 days). She is also there almost daily to check in....and is available if needed. Many counselors also have current CPR and First Aid certification. Sheila Miller noted that she is extremely comfortable and impressed with Robin. . She also noted that, in any emergency, they will call 911. Jay Schwab expressed concerns for having someone there at all times who can provide emergency care, e.g., allergic reaction. Linda Beadle noted that even a licensed individual can only use an epi-pen if there is an M.D. order for a known sensitivity/reaction. Jay
Schwab noted that, although he has no doubt Robin Babbitt has experience and that her input/capabilities are invaluable, she doesn’t fall under the four requirements as defined by the state regulations; that, from standpoint of liability, he would want appropriate health care supervisor.
Sheila Miller stated that the BOH can issue a waiver. Therefore, Jen Forster has been trying to hire an RN to come to camp.....no success.
The camp’s capacity is 200 campers...but they generally have less. They have 80 staff. Stan Rosen asked what is the community standard for other similar-sized residential camps. This is the only overnight camp in Sharon. Stan Rosen noted that this regulation has been in place since 2000, although people may not have been aware of this aspect. He stated that the BOH may provide variances.....if not in conflict with the intent and spirit of minimum standards. Suzi noted the issue of manifest injustice; people just recently became aware of this requirement....up against the deadline....want to be sure emergencies are handled on an appropriate basis. Because of EMT, Sheila Miller’s availability, Linda Beadle, etc., would hate to say the camp can’t open.
Linda Beadle is local... available on call 24/7. She stated that the camp has a very good system of medication control, etc.
Suzi Peck: for next year the camp will need an LPN or RN 24/7. Ed Welch suggested that the Board and camp focus on having a licensed nurse 6-8 hours a day this year. Therefore, with current staff, they need coverage for another 24-30 hours. Jay Schwab strongly urged an aggressive attempt to hire a licensed individual.....advertise in local papers, e.g, Patriot Ledger;
monster.com...seek graduate nursing students. To date they have advertised only on their website and Facebook.
Suzi Peck: current goal to work towards having an LPN or RN during the regular 7-8 hour camp day coverage ; for other hours..while desirable and technically required, under the circumstances won’t be the case this year. Sheila Miller stated this will be difficult.. Jay Schwab: requirement is to provide the proper supervision; as a health professional he sees a major deficiency. Jen Forster noted that safety is of utmost importance to the camp.
Stan Rosen proposed licensing temporarily until a week after the next BOH meeting(6/27); then to explain advertising done...efforts made....etc for this year during camp activity hours...and for next year full-time.
VOTED: (Peck/Stead) Peck, Stead, and Welch voted in favor ; Rosen and Schwab opposed....to grant a temporary waiver for the camp to operate under the procedures currently in place...that, in the interim, the camp will expand outreach to find coverage, i.e., LPN or RN for active camping hours. The camp representatives will return to next meeting. with explanation of efforts made, copies of ads placed, etc. The temporary permit will be for this season contingent upon an aggressive advertising search for normal camp activity hours and will expire at the end of this season as long as a good faith effort is ongoing. The BOH will provide a copy of the waiver for posting at the Town Clerk’s office, as well as to the DPH Commissioner, as required by the regulations.
Bridget Sweet re: Bid for 2011-2013 - Health Agent for Sanitary Inspections/Enforcement
Suzi Peck: How much experience doing health sanitation work? The BOH has never worked with a company, but rather, always with an individual in this position; What are the most important challenges?
Bridget Sweet: almost 3 years experience...began in Taunton in 2008....then moved to a university in the environmental health area. She works in North Andover now...similar setup as Sharon. There are approximately 130 food establishments she covers; schools and non-profits are done by the health agent in N. Andover. She is the dedicated person from Public Protection Specialists, LLC, which provides backup. She noted that language barrier and cultural divide can be issues.
Stan Rosen expressed concern about working with an LLC rather than with an individual. company: Bridget noted that they are insured and that backup coverage is available. She also provides backup for Medfield....approx. 10% of the workload, .e.g., temporary food events; only does regular inspections there if regular person not available. Stan Rosen noted that the BOH is looking for a well rounded individual in all facets of health issues except septic. She is a principal of PPS, LLC, along with her husband, and Mr. and Mrs. Gallant. Andy Stead asked about her ability to respond to emergencies. She noted there is flexibility within the four partners.
Meeting Dates: The Board agreed upon the following meeting dates: July 11 and 25,
August 22, September 12 and 26, October 17, November 21, December 12.
Suzi Peck noted that she has met with Jim about updating regulations and is working on that.
The Board would like to continue to be provided with copies of Region 4A minutes and agendae.
Keratin-Based Hair Smoothing Products; Formaldehyde
Suzi Peck noted that, over the past 4-5 years, a new product has gained in popularity...which contains between 1 and 10% formaldehyde...used to straighten hair..have to heat the hair....gets into the atmosphere. She presented a report from Oregon OSHA expressing health concerns. She asked that the Board consider providing notification to workers and customers of the significant health concerns; at a minimum adequate ventilation is needed.
Stan Rosen reviewed that he found these products to be the subject of much OSHA and FDA investigation; also found fact sheets from FDA and OSHA. He suggested that the BOH distribute the 2 fact sheets via the health agent...and require they be posted at hair salons...and survey the ventilation...and ask if they use this product. Launch investigatory effort and provide information. Suzi Peck and Jay Schwab agreed..
VOTED: (Rosen/Peck) unanimously that BOH will require hair salons to post the hazard awareness documents from FDA and OSHA as to the use of Keratin-based hair straighteners; that the Health Agent for Sanitary Inspections and Enforcement will distribute these and alert management....and will provide information to the BOH on ventilation and to the extent on which the product is used.
Minutes of Meeting of 5/16/11
VOTED: (Stead/Peck) Peck, Rosen, Schwab, and Stead voted in favor; Welch abstained...to accept the minutes of the meeting of May 16, 2011.
Simmons College Clinical Affiliation Agreement with Sharon Public Health Department
Stan Rosen noted that, as he works at a teaching hospital, he sees affiliation agreements with many schools...these are generally signed by someone in administration who has the authority to review them for the organization. The agreement with the Health Department is signed by Sheila Miller for the Health Department, and by Dean and Associate Dean of School for Health Studies at Simmons College. The agreement was initially signed in 2006....valid through August 24, 2007...to be automatically renewed annually on the anniversary of the effective date. Stan Rosen suggested legal review to be sure this indemnifies the town. He suggested that the BOS review; that the BOH can’t sign an affiliation agreement on behalf of the town. He stated that the BOH should inquire of the BOS as to how to proceed....to do
due diligence as a board.
Suzi Peck will follow up and discuss with BOS/Ben Puritz/Bill Fowler to ask how to proceed. Andy Stead stated this agreement is within the purview of the BOH. Stan Rosen disagreed, stating this is not a public health matter, but an affiliation agreement that potentially incurs liability for the town. Stan Rosen also expressed concern about the additional students who may participate in the town’s health clinic program...over and above the one or two who are covered by the affiliation agreement.
At 9:40 P.M.
VOTED: (Peck/Rosen) unanimously (Peck/Rosen/Schwab/Stead/Welch) to enter into executive session to discuss next year’s contract for Health Agent for Sanitary Inspections and Enforcement, and, following that session, to adjourn for the evening.
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