Committee refers EHAC formalization question to Human Services after health director calls current group informal

The Referrals Committee on June 8 referred a proposal from Councilmember Burns on formalizing and increasing transparency for public-health advisory committees to the Human Services Committee, with a recommendation that the discussion be scheduled no later than the end of September.

Ike Koko, identified in the transcript as director of the Health and Human Services Department, told the committee that the Emergency Health Advisory Committee (EHAC) is an informal assembly of public-health experts who advise the department, and that making it a formal body that reports to Human Services could be duplicative. "It would be duplicative if we create a body that reports to human services given that the health department already reports to human services," Koko said.

Committee members discussed where the item should be heard. Some members suggested Human Services first, with any structural or appointment changes to be reviewed subsequently by the Rules Committee. Councilor Rinesmith moved the referral; the motion passed by voice vote.

The committee asked staff to place the item on the Human Services Committee docket for discussion by the end of September so that members can evaluate whether changes to committee structure or appointment processes are appropriate.