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MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Denise Pomeroy, Health Services Director
Carol J. Huchingson, County Administrative Officer
DATE: July 24, 2018
SUBJECT: Consideration of (a) Appointment of Dr. Gary Pace, M.D., MPH, MCP, as Interim County Health Officer; (b) Approval of Professional Services Agreement for Interim Health Officer Services and authorize Health Services Director to sign; and (c) Possible Direction to Staff for next steps in filling the County Health Officer position on a permanent basis.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Background
California counties are required to employ a licensed physician as the County Health Officer who is appointed by the Board of Supervisors pursuant to Health and Safety Code §101000. Under administrative direction of the Health Services Director, the Health Officer has responsibility for enforcing local health orders and ordinances, and State regulations and statutes relating to public health. The Health Officer is also responsible for providing public health leadership for the community, responding to public health emergencies, informing the Board of Supervisors of community health issues, and acting as the point of contact for community leaders who are seeking expert advice and opinion on medical and public health issues.
On July 10, 2018 Dr. Sara Goldgraben submitted her letter of resignation from her position as the County Public Health Officer, with an effective date of August 3, 2018. The recruitment process can be lengthy and the County is required to appoint an Interim Health Officer until the permanent position is filled, to ensure compliance with regulation.
Dr. Goldgraben’s last day in the office will be August 3, 2018. Staff is requesting that your Board appoint Dr. Gary Pace, M.D., MPH, as the interim County Health Officer effective August 3, 2018. Dr. Pace has over twenty years of experience in family practice, clinical practice, site director and medical director working with a wide range of health care facilities. He has a current valid California Medical License, is board certified in family medicine and certified with the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine. Dr. Pace also holds a Master’s in Public Health and a Masters in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Pace served as our Interim Health Officer when Dr. Tait retired and is familiar with our county, department and staff. Dr. Pace’s complete Curriculum Vitae is attached for reference.
In addition, staff is requesting discussion with your Board regarding possible next steps for filling the County Health Officer position on a permanent basis.
Financial
The detailed compensation paid to Dr. Pace for Interim County Health Officer services is outlined in “Exhibit B” is not to exceed Six Thousand Dollars ($6,000) a month and $24,000.00 during the four-month term of the Agreement. There is no county General Fund cost associated with this agreement and the total cost is covered through Public Health Division BU 4011 from cost savings of the vacant Health Officer position.
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Recommended Action
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is respectfully recommended that your Board (a) appoint Dr. Gary Pace, M.D., MPH, as the Interim Lake County Health Officer effective August 3, 2018; (b) approve the Professional Services Agreement for Interim Health Officer Services and authorize Health Services Director to sign; and (c) possible direction to staff for next steps in filling the County Health Officer position on a permanent basis.