Minutes - 05-14-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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1. Environmental Health Specialist- Food and Lodging Health Director Rosemary Summers said that the County's compliance with meeting the inspection time frame is down to 85°~. The State prohibits the County from charging for this service. The State does have a proposal to raise the fees they charge each restaurant with a portion to be returned to the County. Commissioner Gordan made reference to the body piercing inspection and asked if the massage parlors are inspected. Rosemary Summers said that they do not inspect massage parlors. Commissioner Gordon would like for us to consider inspecting these establishments, too. Commissioner Brown asked about the purchase of the vehicle and Rosemary Summers said that this would be a field person with a vehicle, which must be included in the start-up costs far this position. Commissioner Jacobs asked if any counties use any portion of the meals tax they collect to pay for a position like this. John Link will investigate and report back on this possibility. 2. Environmental Health Specialist -Well and Wastewater Commissioner Gordon asked about the offsetting revenue and was told that the fees would pay for this position. 3. Medical Interpreter in the Health Department John Link said that this position would address the growing need of having someone speak Spanish to guide the health clients through the system and other human service agencies. Rosemary Summers said that they do show savings of $6,000, which is what they pay for interpreter services. They will probably pay out between $20,000 - $30,000 in the Health Department this year, because the Health Department is required to provide interpreter services. They need an interpreter with specialized training in medical terms. This person would also coordinate other interpreter needs that they have, especially in Chapel Hill where there are people with different dialects. This person would also coordinate the volunteers in case of a breakout of disease. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the funding still needed for interpreter services. This will be reported back to the County Commissioners. Commissioner Carey said that he feels it will be difficult to project the savings ar what will still be needed because once you have the interpreters, more people show up to be served. Commissioner Gordon pointed out that the Asian population is growing almost as fast as the Hispanic population. She asked how the Asian population is handled. Rosemary Summers said that one thing they need to do is figure out the different languages and the range of the citizens they are serving. This position would make linkages with language departments or other people who can speak the particular language. Usually, people will bring someone with them to do the interpreting. The department has an immediate need in the Hispanic population. The Health Department needs to figure out a way to have a central point for anyone who does not speak English. Commissioner Gordon suggested working with the University to encourage them to serve the students who attend the college. Commissioner Brown asked about the translation of important documents. Rosemary Summers said that all of the registration forms and consent farms need to be translated and this person would also do this. In answer to a question from Commissioner Brawn, Rosemary Summers said that she has four bilingual employees that are grant funded. 4. Nutritionist John Link said that this position is going to focus on counseling individuals who have chronic diseases. The revenue from this position would come from Medicaid. Rosemary Summers said that clinical nutrition therapy is a reimbursable service. The Health Department would be able to serve patients by referral from other physicians. C3nly the Health Department can bill Medicaid for dietician services. Commissioner Gordon asked how the offsetting revenue was figured this year and Rosemary Summers said that it was based on a patient visit rate and may be increased over time.