The Clark County Board of Health discussed the implications of House Bill 1 in its meeting Thursday.

Rebecca Kissick, director of the Clark County Health Department, presented the various options the board will have to consider within the next year. Kentucky legislators passed the bill, which presents a few options for quasi-governmental agencies in regards to opting out or staying in the Kentucky Employees Retirement System.

Kissick said she wasn’t prepared to make a recommendation at this point, and plans to learn more about the options so that she could make a more informed recommendation in future meetings. At this time, the effects and financial impact of any decision are unclear, she said.

The board also approved the official first reading of a policy to require food service establishments to post health inspection reports.

At the next meeting, the board will have the second reading for the final approval. If approved, the policy will go into effect in January 2020.

According to the policy, food service establishments required to post inspection  reports include restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations which serve prepared food, schools and care facilities.

Because of a lack of a structured operating time and often a lack of a physical structure, mobile food units, pushcarts, restricted concession food services, temporary food service and similar food service facilities will not be required to post inspection reports but will have to keep inspection reports on hand and make them available for viewing upon request.

According to the policy, food establishments must place the inspection report where it is visible upon entry into the establishment, as determined by the health department.

Establishments which continually violate the regulation may receive a fine, according to the draft.

The board also approved to award its employees a lump sum payment of $1,000 for full-time employees and $500.

The board also discussed updates to its many community health initiatives.

During her report, CCHD Nurse Administrator Jennifer Gulley told the board researchers with the University of Kentucky Syringe Exchange Program Grant, “Examining Social Influences on Syringe Exchange Uptake,” completed interviews with community stakeholders in mid-July, which concludes the Clark County portion of the study. Work is ongoing in Knox and Owsley counties, but Gulley said she asked the primary investigator to present her findings at an ASAP meeting after the study is completed, which could be at the end of 2019 or in early 2020.

The board also discussed the uptick in Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever cases. According to the clinic report, Kissick said there were four reported cases in Clark County. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a bacterial disease spread through the bite of an infected tick. Most people who get sick with RMSF will have a fever, headache and rash. Kissick said with the uptick in cases, it was an opportune time to remind the public to check for ticks and to take extra precautions when outdoors.

Kissick also asked board members to share the department’s latest job opening. The health department is looking for a community outreach specialist. The responsibilities include connecting with community partners, conducting parent visit assessments, reviewing prenatal or birthday records and more. For more information, find the listing on gohire.org.

The board also announced it will hold board elections at its next meeting.