Lynn A. Bonte, RNC (WCMC), Lindsay Farrell, Sharon Hernstadt.

The meeting commenced at 1:45 PM.

The first item for discussion was agenda item 14. Lindsay Farrell discussed the Child Health Plus Action Program and explained that it is State health insurance for children 18 years or younger. Child Health Plus has been in existence since 1990. This program provides benefits for children who are not applicable for Medicaid. Some of the benefits include immunization, doctors visits, and x-rays. Ms. Farrell noted that in Westchester there are as many enrollees as in New York City. The program is free however, recently, Gov. Pataki stated there will be an imposed fee of $8.00 per child per month up to $13.00 per child per month with a cap of $328.00. This fee will be a hardship for the families enrolled in the program. A survey was done and most program members stated that the new fee will be a burden and they would not be able to maintain enrollment. The fee was supposed to take effect April 1, 1997, however as of yet they have not. Leg. Bronz asked about "options". Ms. Farrell stated that if Health Source could get grant money it may make up for those clients who couldn’t pay. However, the fee is expected to be paid monthly and this will cause the additional burden of administrative data recording. Leg. Bronz asked Ms. Farrell what position would she like to see the Committee to take.

Ms. Farrell suggested a broader position rather than any specific option. Leg. La Motte explained how the state of Massachusetts discussed imposing an additional cigarette tax where the proceeds would go to uninsured children. Leg. La Motte suggested it is an idea the County of Westchester may look into. Leg. Stewart-Cousins stated that the Committee will write a letter in support of Child Health Plus.

Leg. Stewart-Cousins asked Ms. Farrell whether there were any other Health related items she would like to discuss. Ms. Farrell discussed prenatal care and immigrants status. If an immigrant receives prenatal benefits, a conflict is created with her immigration procedures. Many women are forced therefore to choose between prenatal care and immigration. Ms. Farrell stated that she fears women may choose immigration and therefore have their babies at home. Leg. Stewart-Cousins thanked Ms. Farrell and stated that she would welcome her return to the committee at any time

Next the Committee discussed Lyme disease. Leg. Stewart-Cousins stated her surprised that the two different lyme organizations, Action League Lyme (ALL) and the American Lyme Disease Foundation (ALFD), both agreed that the money, which Leg. Stewart-Cousins lobbied to be place in the budget, would be most effective if it were not divided. The Committee will request information regarding the RFP’s of the possible researchers.

Next the Committee discussed agenda item 1, a letter from the President of the Association of Fire Districts for Westchester County regarding the possible effect that the change in Governance at the Medical Center will have on the Enrico "Hank" Longo Burn Center. The Committee has already taken action on item. Leg. Swanson moved to receive and file, seconded by Leg. La Motte. All in favor [4-0].

Next the Committee discussed agenda item 3, a letter from a County resident regarding the safe disposal of needles and syringes. Ms. Ann Perron has been invited and she will address the Committee on April 29, 1997. The Committee has forwarded to Ms. Perron an interpretive guide for Managing Regulated Medical Waste for her comment and review.

Next the Committee discussed agenda item 4, a letter from the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association regarding cuts in the 1997-1998 New York State Executive Budget Proposal. Both Commissioner Freidman and Carolyn Hedlund are confirmed to address this item at the next meeting on April 22, 1997.

Next the Committee discussed agenda item 6, a copy of a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of the Westchester County Medical Center regarding the increase in number of alarms at the Grasslands reservation that have been answered by the Valhalla Fire Department. The Committee is awaiting a response from Commissioner Spiegel on this item.

Next the Committee discussed agenda item 8, a letter from the Westchester Coalition regarding the relationship between the Westchester County Department of Health and County providers of pre-school services to children with disabilities. Leg. Bronz promised the Committee members that she will get the name of the agencies that are part of the Coalition.

Next the Committee discussed agenda item 13, a letter by a medical center resident regarding an extremely large increase in rent. Leg. Stewart-Cousins stated she forwarded a letter to Mr. Spiegel which she is awaiting a response. The Committee agreed that a joint-meeting with "rent guidelines" may be appropriate at this stage.

Next the Committee discussed agenda item 15, a letter directing the County Attorney to join Erie County in the prosecution of a lawsuit against the Tobacco Companies to recover damages on behalf of the people of the County of Westchester. Leg. Stewart-Cousins stated that Marilyn Slaatten, the county attorney, is waiting to see whether Mr. Vacco will include employees in the law suit. The Committee agreed to forward a letter to Mr. Vacco requesting that he include Westchester County employees.

Next the Committee discussed agenda item 16, a letter-to-the-Editor form a constituent in response to the newspaper article entitled Med Center’s move to network stings. Leg. Swanson moved to receive and file, seconded by Leg. La Motte. All in favor [4-0].

Finally the Committee reviewed the minutes. Leg. Swanson moved to approve, seconded by Leg. Bronz. All in favor [4-0].

Leg. Stewart-Cousins asked the Committee members whether there were any new items. Leg. La Motte mentioned an article in the New York Times which discussed a Pharmaceutical company who took over a Managed Care facility and is now dispensing the drugs that they make. Leg. La Motte believes there may be a conflict of interest if a doctor prescribes a drug which this Pharmaceutical company does not make. Leg. Swanson mentioned that the Pharmaceutical company may be violating the safe harbor law. Leg. Carsky has a copy of the safe harbor law if the Committee would like to review it.

Leg. Swanson moved to adjourn, seconded by Leg. La Motte. The meeting ended at 2:35 PM.