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SFHSS outlines COVID‑19 operations: telecommuting plans, vendor coordination and member guidance
Summary
SFHSS Executive Director Abby Yant told the board the city's emergency operations center has been active for weeks, SFHSS is preparing telecommuting and alternate staffing models, coordinating vendor communications and updating member microsites; the board discussed Brown Act limits on remote meetings.
Executive Director Abby Yant told the San Francisco Health Service System Board that the city’s emergency operations center had been active for several weeks and SFHSS is coordinating closely with vendors and public‑health authorities as the COVID‑19 outbreak evolves.
"We are working to keep our members informed, by updating the website regularly," Yant said, emphasizing the use of SFHSS microsites and direct links to the local department of public health for up‑to‑date guidance. She said SFHSS is preparing telecommuting models and alternate staffing plans to maintain services if employees become ill or are exposed.
Yant also described a vendor blackout period while major vendor contract renewals are underway, and she announced personnel changes: Claire Zavansky was declared elected as a new health service board member, effective in June; Siobhan O'Connor, member services manager, submitted her resignation effective April 6. Yant said an infertility‑services update with Blue Shield is expected on the April agenda and staff continue work on an EAP mental‑health expansion budget to submit to the mayor’s office.
Board members raised operational and legal questions about meeting logistics under the Brown Act and the city charter as pandemic conditions affect in‑person gatherings. One commissioner noted a recently amended gubernatorial executive order that may alter Brown Act requirements in some circumstances; commissioners asked for a plain‑language fact sheet explaining how charter and Brown Act rules affect remote participation and special meetings.
The director said SFHSS will comply with legal constraints while exploring streaming options and that staff will publish notices for any special meetings; Yant added that staff will circulate information about how rate and benefits materials will be shared if in‑person public meetings are restricted.
What this means for members: SFHSS will update its website and vendor microsites regularly, implement telework where appropriate and pursue contingency staffing to sustain member services. The board requested clearer public guidance on meeting notices and the legal limits that govern remote deliberations.
