MOUNT VERNON — A light agenda faced the Knox County Board of Health when they met Wednesday evening at the Knox County Health Department.
The board approved four contracts on the evening, including an approval to pay the Knox County Commissioners a sum of $39,164 for the health department’s share of the county health insurance fund deficit. Knox County Commissioner Teresa Bemiller told the News that large insurance claims have led to the deficit, which is being paid by each department across the board. Having such a deficit is not abnormal, and the commissioners are in hopes that the iHealth insurance program implemented this year will curb this problem in coming years. As Knox County is currently self-insured, the health department is seeking options of a possible better individual plan for their health insurance.
A medical clinic fee schedule was approved which included details of small joint injections at $55, intermediate joint injections at $70 and major joint injections at $85.
An ongoing contract for services provided in the medical clinic was approved with Medical Mutual Insurance Co., as was a contract for nursing services (intravenous therapy) with Specialty Pharmacy Nursing Network Inc. at $95 per visit.
Susan Lind was approved for hire as a home health aide, effective Sept. 17. This is not an additional position and just fills a void in the department following an earlier retirement.
Environmental health director Nate Overholt announced the recent discovery of a rabid bat in the county. Precautionary measures are being taken with the residents against any possible infectious contact. Overholt also announced a case of West Nile virus being discovered in a horse.
Follow-up tests have also been taken at water wells in the Danville area after earlier discovery of contaminants. No conclusive evidence was reported from these tests.
The board dismissed their brief regular meeting and met in executive session to discuss personnel matters. No further action was taken. The next board of health meeting will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, at the Knox County Health Department.
Contact Alan Reed
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