Title
Health and Human Services Agency recommending the Board:
1) Appoint Matthew Minson, M.D. to serve as the County Public Health Officer and Local Registrar for Vital Statistics, effective November 18, 2023;
2) Approve the advanced step hiring at Step 5 of the salary range (approximate annual salary of $251,721.60);
3) Approve the assignment of a recruitment signing bonus and additional vacation leave pursuant to County of El Dorado Personnel Rules, Section 708; and
4) Approve the allowance of relocation reimbursement pursuant to County of El Dorado Personnel Rules, Section 709.
FUNDING: 100% Public Health Realignment Funds.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
In accordance with the Health and Safety Code of California, Sections 101000-101010, it is a legal requirement for the County Board of Supervisors to appoint a Public Health Officer. The position of Public Health Officer assumes the role of the Local Registrar for Vital Statistics and is entrusted with the responsibility of registering certificates of birth, fetal death, and death events.
On June 2, 2023, this statutorily mandated position became vacant. In anticipation of this vacancy, HHSA, in coordination with County Human Resources, conducted an extensive recruitment process to identify a suitable replacement for the Public Health Officer. Regrettably, these recruitment endeavors proved unsuccessful in filling the vacancy. Subsequently, HHSA embarked on a diligent search to identify a qualified Public Health Officer. After multiple recruitment efforts, Dr. Minson emerged as an exceptional candidate for the Public Health Officer position.
Dr. Minson, a licensed physician in good standing with the Medical Board of the State of California and has been a licensed physician for over twenty years serving at the private, local, state and federal levels in public health, medical policy and clinical practice. Some of Dr. Manson’s notable achievements include leading the delivery of the first National Health Security Strategy, Telehealth Report to Congress, Emergency Use Authorization policy, White House Liaison designate on Chem and Biodefense, and countermeasures innovation at the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Minson also served on over twenty high-profile field deployments as a medical officer with FEMA Urban Search and Rescue, and Incident Support Team and as a Federal Medical Specialist Instructor.
Dr. Minson's educational background includes a degree in Medicine earned at the University of Texas, where he completed an internship in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, followed by a Residency in the Anesthesiology department. Beyond his distinguished career, Dr. Minson is a published best-selling and award-winning author of health and social advocacy books, as well as the creator of Minson’s Hospital apps, which provides consumer resources for specialty care centers and veterinary hospitals and training centers in all 50 states. Dr. Minson is also the recipient of multiple HHS Secretariat Performance awards, State of Maryland Governor’s Services Award, and a commendation by the Senate of the State of Texas.
HHSA strongly recommends the appointment of Dr. Matthew Minson as the County's Public Health Officer to ensure the continued implementation of activities mandated by the Health and Safety Code.
In compliance with the County of El Dorado Personnel Rules Section 708, "Recruiting Incentives," and Section 709, "Relocation Expense Reimbursement," the Public Health Officer position has been designated as a "hard to fill" position. Consequently, HHSA is proposing that the Board approve the following incentives upon the appointment of Dr. Minson:
- A $6,000 recruitment incentive paid in equal installments for the first twenty-six (26) consecutive biweekly pay periods in the position;
- A fixed amount of 40 hours additional vacation leave that shall be accrued in equal installments in each of the first twenty-six (26) consecutive biweekly pay periods of employment in the designated hard-to-fill position beginning the first pay period of employment; and
- A relocation expense reimbursement that shall not exceed $6,000. Expenses may include, but are not limited to, personal transportation for the candidate's family and moving expenses for the candidate's family's belongings, including pets. Receipts must be provided for reimbursement and are subject to review.
HHSA is fortunate to have identified a candidate of remarkable qualifications to serve as the Public Health Officer for the County of El Dorado. Dr. Minson's impressive background, extensive experience, and commitment to public health make him an exceptional choice for this role. With Dr. Minson's appointment, the County can confidently continue its commitment to the Health and Safety Code's mandates, ensuring the well-being of its residents.
ALTERNATIVES
In the event that the Board chooses to disapprove the appointment of Dr. Minson, the County would be left without a full time Public Health Officer, which is a mandatory requirement according to the Health and Safety Code Sections 101000-101010.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
1) 08/04/09, 09-0975, HSD Health Officer Appointment
2) 01/15/13, 12-1564, HHSA/PH Interim Health Officer Agrmnt, A1
3) 01/29/13, 12-0175, HHSA/PH - Public Health Officer Appointment
4) 09/22/15, 15-1071, HHSA Public Health Officer Appointment.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Human Resources
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no Net County Cost associated with this Agenda item. Sufficient appropriations were included in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget for this position and there is savings from the vacancy of the position to cover the cost of the incentive offers.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board to provide one (1) Certified Minute Order to HHSA who will notify the State of California of the appointment prior to the appointment date of November 18, 2023.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Strategic Plan Project 1.1, “Staff Retention.” and Healthy Communities/Good Governance
CONTACT
Olivia Byron-Cooper, Director, Health and Human Services Agency