Board of Health Discusses Videotaping Meeting

The Board of Health is considering airing its meetings on TV9, the local cable access station, which would be a change in board’s established practice.

Victoria Kinniburgh was opposed to the idea and explained the previous incarnation of the board’s stance.

“We, as the Board of Health, felt that certain things could be misconstrued if things were televised,” Kinniburgh said. “The board felt it was not fair to the businesses.”

Kinniburgh said that the Board of Health hearings can be detrimental to the reputation of businesses owners when facts are misconstrued and rumors starts.

“I don’t have a problem televising the Board of Health meeting, but I have a little hesitation regarding restaurants regarding violations,” said Francis Cavaco.

New member Doug Brown was concerned about the possibility of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) violations.

 “We’re walking a very fine line with HIPAA,” said Brown. “In this age of litigation, which we’re living in, everyone is quick to run to their lawyer if they feel their rights are being violated.”

Bob McClintock felt that the state’s open meeting law required that the meetings be broadcast; though there was disagreement among the board as to whether or not that was case.

Kinniburgh believed the law requires the meeting to be recorded, but not necessarily going out live. She also noted that currently not every board meeting in town is televised.

Brown suggested they table the matter for the next meeting, until the exact law was found and reviewed.

“I’d hate to jump into something and find we made a mistake,” said Brown.

New Positions Finalized

The Board of Health finalized its reorganization that originally occurred at a meeting last month. The board had to decide to retake the votes to allow the recently appointed members of the board, Ray Grant and Doug Brown, to vote on the chair, vice chair and secretary.

Francis Cavaco was named the new chairman; Bob McClintock takes over as vice chair, and former chair Victoria Kinniburgh will now serve as secretary.