Rep. David Kerr | Facebook
Rep. David Kerr | Facebook
Rep. David Kerr voted in favor of House File 2221, a measure that would aid public health agencies in Louisa County and other small counties.
The legislation would expand the eligible medical professionals who qualify as a county's health officer or medical director on local boards of health. Previously, the medical director had to be a licensed physician. Small counties, often without resident physicians, would have to look outside their counties for someone to serve.
This stipulation put Louisa County in a bind in 2018 when resident physician and medical director Brian Masonholder retired. Suneel Parvathreddy of Muscatine stepped up to serve, but has had to step down due to other obligations. Louisa County Public Health Administrator Roxanne Smith had been unable to find a qualified replacement and instead told the Board that she would seek changes in the state law, according to The Hawk Eye.
Under the new legislation, other professionals including physicians assistants, advanced registered nurse practitioners and advanced practice registered nurses would be eligible for the position of health officer.
Jacinta Wangui, a family nurse practitioner has agreed to serve as Louisa County health officer if the legislation is approved.
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