Date: 01/12/2012
Final
Briefing by the Department of Public Health and Environment
COMMITTEE ON JOINT HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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03:58 PM -- Briefing by the Department of Public Health and Environment
The committee reconvened. Dr. Chris Urbina, Executive Director for the Department of Public Health and Environment, began the department's SMART Act briefing (Attachment E).
04:00 PM
Dr. Urbina discussed the department's vision and mission and described the department's budget and organizational structure.
04:02 PM
Dr. Urbina discussed the department's strategic plan (Attachment F). He described input the department received from internal groups within the department and the employee stakeholder process used to develop the plan. Dr. Urbina noted that the department also received input from external stakeholders. He listed the department's strengths which include staff, strong relationships with other agencies, and its status as a credible source of information. He described areas for improvement for the department, including that the department contains silos of information, retention and recruitment of high quality workers, bureaucratic practices, and the need for better communication. Critical issues for the department include workforce development, funding and resources, and the recruitment of new workers to replace retiring staff.
04:07 PM
Dr. Urbina described the strategic map for the department. He stated the core challenge for the department is aligning resources in the most effective way possible. The goals represented on the map include: achieving targeted improvements in Colorado's winnable battles; promoting programmatic excellence; strengthening the integrated public and environmental health system; fostering a competent, empowered workforce; and creating a more efficient, effective, customer-oriented department.
04:11 PM
Dr. Urbina described the department's efforts related to "winnable battles." He gave examples of winnable battles including improving air and water quality, infections disease prevention, injury prevention, mental health and substance abuse treatment, addressing obesity, promoting oral health, improving food safety, reducing tobacco use, and preventing unintended pregnancies. He noted that the department's full strategic plan contains specific metrics to measure progress relative to each of the winnable battles. He responded to questions from the committee regarding health disparities and the department's goals regarding environmental justice and equality. He responded to additional questions from the committee regarding potential cuts to the federal funds received by the department.
04:28 PM
Dr. Urbina continued to respond to questions from the committee regarding public health and primary care workforce issues in the state, and discussed the Colorado School of Public Health. He further discussed the implementation of Senate Bill 08-194, which reorganized the public health system in the state. Dr. Urbina discussed the public health impact of federal health care reform legislation. In response to a question from Representative Brown, Dr. Urbina discussed the department's measures of clean air and clean water. Martha Rudolph, Department of Public Health and Environment, discussed issues related to nutrient standards for water quality.
04:49 PM
Representative Bradford commented on water quality issues in rural areas of the state. Dr. Urbina continued the department's presentation and responded to questions from the committee regarding the department's legislative agenda. Ms. Rudolph discussed forthcoming bill to repeal the High Emitter Emissions Program. Dr. Urbina continued by discussing the department's successes and budget challenges.
04:57 PM
Representative Peniston discussed issues related to religious exemptions from vaccinations. Ms. Reynolds discussed a pending hearing before the State Board of Health related to vaccinations of medical providers for the influenza virus. Representative Acree asked for additional information on the amount of federal money received by the department to address winnable battles. Dr. Urbina responded to questions from Senator Roberts regarding the role of the department in end-of-life issues. Dr. Urbina responded to questions from Representative Joshi regarding unfunded mandates.
05:08 PM
The committee adjourned.