Title
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MEMORANDUM
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FROM: Denise Pomeroy, Health Services Director
DATE: August 27, 2019
SUBJECT: Consideration of (a) Dr. Erin Gustafson's Resignation as the County Public Health Officer; and (b) Appointment of Dr. Gary Pace, M.D., MPH, MCP, as Interim County Health Officer with Approval of Professional Services Agreement and Authorize Board Chair to Sign.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: 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 August 6, 2019, Dr. Erin Gustafson submitted her letter of resignation from her position as the County Public Health Officer, with an effective date of August 30, 2019. While the recruitment for a new Health Officer is underway, the County is required to appoint an Interim Health Officer until the permanent position is filled, to ensure compliance with regulation.
Dr. Gustafson’s last day in the office will be August 30, 2019. Staff is requesting that your Board appoint Dr. Gary Pace, M.D., MPH, as the interim County Health Officer effective August 31, 2019. 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. After discussions with Dr. Pace, and myself we have determined that a four month Professional Services Agreement with a onetime mutually agreed upon extension would be appropriate to cover the time needed to recruit a permanent replacement for the Health Officer position. Dr. Pace has been appointed by the Board of Supervisors an Interim Health officer previously, and has provided professional medical contract work for the county the past two years. He has a solid working relationship with the Health Department staff, and community medical partners. Please find Dr. Pace’s complete Curriculum Vitae attached for reference.
FISCAL IMPACT: __ None _x_Budgeted __Non-Budgeted
Estimated Cost: See below
Amount Budgeted:
Additional Requested:
Annual Cost (if planned for future years):
FISCAL IMPACT (Narrative): The detailed compensation paid to Dr. Pace for Interim County Health Officer services outlined in “Exhibit B” is not to exceed $45,000.00 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.
STAFFING IMPACT (if applicable): None
Recommended Action
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
(a) Accept Dr. Erin Gustafson's Resignation as the County Public Health Officer.
(b) Appoint Dr. Gary Pace, M.D., MPH, MCP, as Interim County Health Officer with approval of Professional Services Agreement and Authorize the Board Chair to Sign.