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Commissioners split over proposed rules on commissioner-staff communications; item deferred for revision
Summary
The commission debated a proposed DPH policy that would formalize how individual commissioners contact staff. Supporters said it protects staff and creates consistent record-keeping; critics said it risks reducing transparency and commissioners ability to oversee operations. Chair and staff will revise language for a September 20 vote.
The Health Commission discussed a proposed policy to formalize and, in some cases, restrict communications between individual commissioners and DPH staff. The draft would require that requests to meet or correspond be routed and approved by the director and that certain ongoing contacts be channeled through specified staff roles.
Commissioner Singer argued the draft as written risks reducing transparency and sanitizing staff input; he urged a policy that encourages rather than narrows commissioner access to staff for oversight and performance review. Several commissioners echoed concerns that an overly prescriptive policy could chill informal but important flows of information.
Other commissioners and former DPH employees supported the draft, saying it would protect staff from being placed in awkward positions and would create a clear record so that information obtained in one-on-one contacts is visible to the director and the full commission. Supporters said the policy aims to balance oversight obligations with respect for the departments administrative chain of command.
Director Garcia said the policy was an attempt to create clarity and protect staff while still enabling commissioners to get the information they need; she welcomed suggested amendments and noted the charter provisions governing administrative authority and the commissions policy role.
Commissioners identified detailed edits and asked staff and the commission secretary to circulate revisions and proposed alternative language (including a counter-proposal focused on encouraging transparent lines of communication). The item was not voted on and will return for consideration at the Sept. 20 meeting.
Ending: Commissioners asked staff to refine the draft to preserve charter limits, ensure transparency and protect staff; several asked for alternative language that would explicitly encourage appropriate staff access while documenting communications.
