Approved 6/7/04

HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

May 17, 2004

Members Present: Curtis Hertel, Lisa Dedden, Tina Weatherwax-Grant, Andy Schor, Mike Severino, John Nevin and Board Chairperson Victor Celentino

Members Absent: None

Others Present: John Neilsen and Bruce Bragg

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Hertel at 7:03 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the May 3, 2004 Minutes

The May 3 Minutes were approved as submitted. Absent: Comms. Dedden and Severino

Additions to the Agenda

2d. Conscientious Objector Policy Act - Discussion

Limited Public Comment: None

MOVED BY COMM. NEVIN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

• Honorary Resolution - Resolution Honoring Zella Bernice Thompson



• Health Department

• Resolution to Authorize an Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding - for the "Early On" Program
• Resolution to Authorize a Contract with the Michigan Family Independence Agency to Plac3e an Out-stationed Worker in the Health Department Registration and Enrollment Unit

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Dedden and Severino

MOVED BY COMM. NEVIN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comms. Dedden and Severino

• Health Department
• Update on the Ingham County Advantage Program

Mr. Bragg stated the Ingham County Advantage Program roll out date has been scheduled for June 3, 2004 at the Human Services Building at 1:00 p.m. Mr. Steinberg, IHP President, wants to meet with Chairpersons Celentino and Hertel to discuss the time and location for the event. Mr. Bragg also stated no one has been enrolled in the Program to date. However, an employer may be enrolled by the roll out date. Governor Granholm has been invited to attend the event. She has not responded as of this date.

(Comms. Dedden and Severino arrived at 7:05 p.m.)

MOVED BY COMM. NEVIN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO RECONSIDER THE VOTE FOR THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

MOVED BY COMM. NEVIN, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHOR, TO RE-APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

• 'Objector' Legislation - Discussion

Mr. Bragg explained that a piece of legislation, the Conscientious Objector Policy Act, would allow doctors, pharmacists and other medical personnel to withhold certain treatments if such treatment conflicts with their own ethical and/or moral standards. He also explained his concern that employers of medical staff should not be placed in the position of ensuring that some of the staff would not withhold treatment based on personal views.

Chairperson Hertel stated this legislation would have a great effect on the County's Health Department. Comm. Schor asked about the Michigan Association of Counties' position on this matter. Mr. Neilsen stated they had not taken a position as of last week.

The Committee discusses this issue further. In response to Comm. Schor, Mr. Bragg stated he did not know what the Health Department would do if medical staff withheld treatment based on ethical and/or moral conflicts. Government employees should take on the life of the government and keep their personal feelings separate from the job. Mr. Bragg also stated the County is prohibited from biased hiring practices. Mr. Neilsen stated this issue could be a very slippery slope for employers.

Comm. Severino stated he would like to see the actual language of the legislation. Chairperson Hertel explained the language would be submitted to this Committee when a resolution is submitted for consideration. Mr. Neilsen stated Mr. Cohl and Mr. Hailey have received copies of this information also.

Announcements: None

Public Comment: None

The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff