Bernice Spreckman

Commissioner Rapoport

Dolores Heredia

On this date, the Health and the Medical Committee had a joint meeting with the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice to discuss the EMSA contract. Please refer to either the Public Safety minutes or tape for more information on this item.

After the joint meeting with Public Safety adjourned, the Health and Medical Committee continued with there regularly scheduled agenda.

The first issue for discussion was the balanced billing law. Leg. Bernice Spreckman updated the Committee on this issue. This law prohibits doctors from charging senior citizen patients more than 5% of what Medicaid accepts as a reasonable charge, Leg. Spreckman discussed the letters and lists she has had prepared. Leg. La Motte mentioned that the list seemed to be deficient, and Leg. Spreckman asked that all legislators update their lists. Leg. Spreckman also mentioned that her Committee is working on the tax laws to give the option of allowing people to donate to Senior Citizens if they wish.

The next item for discussion was Agenda item number 3, a proposed Act authorizing the issuance of $1,100,000 in bonds - Liver transplant program. Leg. Swanson discussed how this bond has a 60% federal reimbursement, thus it should be sign-out of Committee. Motion by Leg. Swanson, Seconded by Leg. Bronz. All in favor [5-0].

The next discussion was with Dr. Rapoport. Leg. Stewart-Cousins mentioned how now that the State budget was passed there were approximately 12 positions that the County Board had put back in to the Health Department. Leg. Stewart-Cousins wanted to know the status of these positions. Dr. Rapoport answered that he submitted documents on this matter to Budget and to the County Executive; therefore, the question would be properly directed to the administration.

Leg. Swanson moved to adjourn. The meeting ended at 12:30 PM (noon).

(A taped copy of this meeting is on file)