In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the urgent need to evaluate options for on-site occupational health services as the current contract with COEH is set to expire in December. Human Resources Manager Allison led the discussion, highlighting the limited notice for the contract's end and the necessity to explore both on-site and off-site service options.

The meeting revealed that COEH and Concentra are the primary vendors under consideration. COEH has a robust service offering and is willing to retain the current staff member who will be affected by the contract's termination. In contrast, Occupational Health Services, another potential vendor, primarily functions as a placement firm without providing comprehensive benefits to their hires, which raised concerns among officials.

Financial implications were a significant focus, with estimates suggesting that outsourcing could cost around $300,000 annually. Officials debated the feasibility of hiring a physician's assistant directly to manage on-site services, which could potentially reduce costs. However, the challenges of certification and the need for additional contracts for lab services were noted as hurdles.

The urgency of the situation was underscored by the impending deadline, with officials acknowledging that without a new service in place, essential functions such as employment physicals and drug screenings would cease after November 24. The discussion concluded with a consensus to reconvene next week to gather more data and explore viable options, emphasizing the need for a stopgap solution while evaluating long-term strategies.

Additionally, the meeting addressed exception requests for wage increases for long-term care employees, reflecting ongoing staffing challenges and the need for competitive compensation to retain essential personnel. The requests were approved unanimously, indicating a commitment to maintaining workforce stability amid ongoing organizational changes.