DRAFT MINUTES OF MEETING
SHARON BOARD OF HEALTH
November 8th, 2012
Community Center
The meeting of the Sharon Board of Health was called to order at 7:37 PM by Suzi Peck, Chair. In attendance were: Suzi Peck, Chair, Jay Schwab, Vice-Chair, Andy Stead, Stan Rosen and Ed Welch.
Also in attendance were: Jim Andrews Health Agent for Engineering, Bridget Sweet, Health Administrator and Laura Russell
Minutes of October 15th
Dr. Lester Hartman referred to as Dr. Lesterman several times. Corrected throughout
Ed Welch Questioned amended to Ed Welch Suggested
With a major addition a certified system inspector shall inspect the system.
Motion made to accept the minutes as amended by Jay Schwab
Seconded Welch
All Moved
Language Regarding Service Dogs
Modify regulation to add the word “leashed”. Discussion regarding service animals and the current leash law in town0 led to the language being modified to the following effective immediately “with the exception of leashed service animals”. Motion Made by Peck, Seconded Stead
All Moved
Discussion to have a picture of current signage at beach to determine if signage would need to be redone
Health Administrator Job Description
Discussion involving whether the job description should include the minimum qualification of the professional licensure of the Registered Sanitarian or Certified Health Officer registered in Massachusetts. Motion made by Rosen “The job description should include the minimum qualification of a Registered Sanitarian or a Certified Health Officer registered in Massachusetts”
Seconded by Peck
All Moved
New Construction
Jim Andrews entered the meeting at this time
Proposed changes to current section 7.11 reviewed. Discussed the definitions of bedrooms in Title V; and the proposed definition of minor and major additions. Jim stated that the entire process begins with the applicant coming to obtain a Building Permit, and that Jim must sign off on all Building Permits prior to issuance. Discussion regarding the usage of the term maximum feasible compliance; and it was decided that the term would stay in the proposed definitions.
Motion made that the draft as presented for proposal regarding the definitions of major and minor additions be accepted as proposed.
Seconded Welch
All Moved
Public hearing to take place at an upcoming meeting to discuss these changes to Article 7
Dental Amalgam Citizen Petitions/Laura Henze Russell
Laura Henze Russell has presented the Board with information regarding the potential hazards of dental amalgam during past meetings, and Jay Schwab has also presented articles in rebuttal.
Suzi Peck asked Ms. Henze Russell for an Explanation of the Articles; and why these articles are being proposed.
Laura Henze Russell recognizes that this is a difficult issue to address; and hopes that Sharon would take a leading edge as opposed to a following edge. Additional handouts were passed out.
Article 12 Resolutions In Actual Warrant noted as Article 11
Ms. Henze Russell stated the goal is to encourage people on a voluntary basis to look at the safety issues with dental amalgam; to ensure that people are more informed. This is important because people don’t know the composition of amalgam fillings, and what the effects might be. Ms. Henze Russell feels very strongly that in regards to a medical device, informed consent should be provided. Through discussion; the Board felt that zeroing in on one material is not a good idea; that composite materials may pose risk.
The Board asked Ms. Henze Russell What is the expected outcome of this education and awareness? How is this enforced? What will happen because the town voted in favor of this?
Ms. Henze Russell stated that this is more of an awareness campaign; there is no action necessary. These are the desired outcomes
The Board expressed concern about the Safe AMER reference in the Article that would educate the residents of Sharon and the various town departments. The Boards feels that this is an endorsement of sorts. The Board does not feel that they should be endorsing any group to educate the populace.
Jay Schwab made the motion “All in favor recommend Article 12 as written?” None in favor / all opposed.
Article 13 Informed Consent Bylaw In Actual Warrant Noted as Article 12
The five bullets are worded exactly as the language in a guidance document created by the FDA in 2009 regarding dental amalgam. The language is required by the manufacturer to the dentists, there is no language required by the dentist to the patient at this time. Discussion continued on providing the patients with information on the risks and hazards of any restoration; not just dental amalgam.
Ms. Henze-Russell’s goal is to have the patient receive the same information that the dentist receives. Suzi Peck agrees with this principle; however has reservations about this article due to the association with a specific association of an organization mentioned in the Article, International Academy of Oral Medicine (IAOM). The Board would like to refer this issue to the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards; as they may be able to take a greater look at this current and possibly evolving issue.
The Board expressed concern about presenting warnings for only dental amalgams; and not composites- feels that presenting warnings for only one type of restoration is not true to public health. Discussion continued on the risks of mercury, and how the dentists handle mercury and informed consent. Ed Welch feels that the Board should take this issue under advisement, and seek outside assistance from experts; and doesn’t think that the vote at town meeting should dictate the outcome on this volatile issue.
Ed feels that a good discussion should occur at Town Meeting to gauge how the Town feels about this issue.
As written, all in favor of supporting Article 13? Welch/Schwab/Rosen – OPPOSED Peck/Stead – Abstained
Article 14 Cost Neutral Insurance In Actual Warrant Noted as Article 13
As written, all in favor of supporting Article 14? Welch/Schwab/Rosen – OPPOSED
Stead/Peck – IN FAVOR
Through discussion the Board believes that there is benefit in providing more information for both the potential risks and benefits for dental amalgam and composite restoration. The Board believes that increased informed consent may be appropriate; however these are very complicated issues that require more discussion. The Board does not feel that Town Meeting is the appropriate forum to find a proscriptive solution to this issue; however they do feel that the Town Meeting is a good place to gauge how the residents feel about these issues. Dr. Schwab is going to reach out to the Massachusetts Dental Association to seek guidance.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 pm
Respectfully Submitted,
Bridget Sweet