*M I N U T E S
COMMITTEE ON COUNTY OFFICERS & DEPARTMENTS
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2000
4:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: LaMotte. Members: Oros, Pinto, Spreckman, Stewart-Cousins, and Young. Staff: Schecter, Vita, Neglia, and Bernard. County Executive: Bill Randolph.
Legislator LaMotte called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m..
Mrs. LaMotte was prepared to meet with County Health Department officials today to discuss an emergency situation relating to a bat bite and the Health Department’s response.
Mrs. LaMotte distributed a copy of the constituent’s letter, which detailed the events that followed after her 2-year old son was bitten in the face by a bat. The son was seen by the family physician the same day and it was determined that the bite was that of a bat and needed the vaccine. The Health Department was called, as was procedure. When the personal physician offered to speak to Dr. Huang in the Health Department, she was unavailable. The family received a call from Dr. Huang’s office at 2 p.m. explaining there was not enough proof that it was a bat bite, but if they could provide proof, then the vaccine would be released.
Mrs. LaMotte also explained that the house was examined by the County’s Bat control, a report was filed and again nothing was done. The family called the County Executive’s office and spoke to a representative, who told the family they would look into the matter; to date, the family has not received a response.
Mrs. LaMotte is very concerned with the treatment the family received by the County under such an emergency situation. The child was then taken to the Medical Center for treatment and again the vaccine was refused. It was not until WCMC Administrator, Russell Biagi, approved to release the vaccine and finally administered at 8:30 p.m.
Revised 4/24/00-ugl
APPROVED 5/15/00; BS/VJP;6-0
MINUTES
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2000
On the basis of discussions with the constituent and the Commissioner’s office, Mrs. LaMotte will meet with Patsy Yang-Lewis, Acting Health Department Commissioner, and Dr. Huang on Monday (5/1) to discuss this matter and what proper procedures are to be followed.
All members voiced their concern with the chain of command in this type of emergency, not only for bat bites, but also with other animal bites and emergencies.
It was agreed that the vaccine is expensive and must be administered three times, but most health insurance carriers cover the expense. It was also mentioned that the Health Department is one of the three entities of the County that has the authority to administer the vaccine.
Mr. Pinto stated he was concerned that there was no one else versed enough beside Dr. Huang that can meet with the Committee to discuss the problem and asked to have the Health Department’s emergency procedure policy clarified.
Mrs. Stewart-Cousins said this was similar to sewer spill incidents, and would like to have the chain of command clarified and what protocol is followed in emergency situations. She asked if this incident was logged by the departments and requested copies. Mr. Randolph will follow up on this.
Mrs. LaMotte will update members after her meeting with the Commissioner.
On the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the minutes of March 27th, were approved by a 6-0 vote.
On the motion of Legislator pinto, seconded by Legislator Spreckman, the minutes of April 3rd, were approved by a 6-0 vote.
On the motion of Legislator Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the minutes of April 10th, were approved by a 6-0 vote.
With no other business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 5 p.m.