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Board approves affiliation agreement with McHenry County College for EMT/paramedic students after debate over termination and supervision clauses
Summary
The board approved an affiliation agreement with McHenry County College to place EMT/paramedic students in county clinics and add a public‑health component to the curriculum. Several board members raised concerns that the contract’s termination clause appeared lopsided and that the county’s ability to remove students and recover staff costs was not fully symmetric, but the motion to approve passed by voice vote.
Board members debated and approved an affiliation agreement between McHenry County Public Health and McHenry County College (MCC) for EMT and paramedic students to complete clinical experiences and a new public‑health component.
Several board members said they support the educational partnership but voiced concerns about contract language. The concerns included the termination clause that allows the college to terminate the agreement with 30 days’ notice for any reason while the board noted the section allowing termination for breach by either party required 14 days’ notice. Members also asked about cost sharing (the draft showed no payment to the health department), protections for staff time and supervision duties, and the process for removing or disciplining a student who poses a conduct or safety issue.
Staff explained there is always on‑site supervision when students are present, that clients are asked for permission before students participate in visits, and that longstanding practice allows supervisors to refuse a student’s continued placement; staff also said the county’s state's attorney reviews standard affiliation agreements. Board members asked staff to flag the concerns with the state’s attorney and the college for future contract rounds.
A motion to approve the affiliation agreement was made and seconded; the board completed a voice vote and the motion passed.
What’s next: staff said they will sign the agreement and follow up with the state’s attorney about the termination and other contract terms if the board wishes further review.
