Health Service Board reauthorizes remote meetings under state emergency finding

The San Francisco Health Service System Board voted unanimously March 10 to adopt a resolution finding that the state and city remain in a state of emergency due to the COVID‑19 pandemic and to continue relying on teleconferencing rules to allow hybrid and remote meetings.

Board staff read the resolution’s findings to commissioners, saying in part, “The state of California and the city remain in a state of emergency due to COVID‑nineteen pandemic,” and that conducting in‑person meetings without remote participation “would present imminent risks to the health and safety of certain attendees.” The resolution cites authority for teleconferencing under California Government Code section 54953.

The action was introduced as an item requiring a 30‑day reaffirmation of findings to permit remote attendance; a commissioner moved to adopt the resolution and another seconded. After a notice‑and‑public‑comment period with no callers entering the queue, staff took roll call. Commissioners recorded unanimous support: President Follinsbee (recorded joining and voting), Commissioner Breslin, Supervisor Chan, Commissioner Howe, Commissioner Scott and Commissioner Zavansky.

Why it matters: The vote preserves the board’s ability to hold hybrid meetings that combine in‑person and remote participation and clarifies the administrative finding the board will make every 30 days under state teleconferencing rules. Board staff said the resolution is the City Attorney’s recommended approach and will be renewed on the required periodic schedule.

Next steps: The board’s roll‑call vote was recorded as unanimous. Staff confirmed that the finding will be revisited as part of the board’s recurring meeting procedures and that public‑comment mechanics (in‑person podium and WebEx dial‑in) will remain in place for future meetings.