Thomaston - Upson Board of Health

Members of the Board of Health

Each County Board of Health has seven members, who must be at least 21 years old. The law sets out the requirements for each of those seven positions, and who appoints those members. The seven positions are:

Positions 1 through 4 are appointed by the county’s chief executive officer

• Position 1: The county’s chief executive officer, or another elected member of the county governing authority that is designated by the CEO.

Term expires when leaving elected office or when CEO assigns a replacement.

• Position 2: A licensed physician actively practicing in the county. In a county with less than four physicians, or no physician participating in the county who is willing and able to serve, a licensed nurse or dentist or another person having familiarity and concern for medical services in the county may be selected.

Term expires upon completion of the six year term; will be less than six years if appointed mid-term.

• Position 3: A consumer or an advocate for consumers of health services.

Term expires upon completion of the six  year term; will be less than six years if appointed mid-term.

• Position 4: A consumer who will represent the needy, underprivileged or elderly.

Term expires upon completion of the six  year term; will be less than six years if appointed mid-term.

Position 5 comes from the county school system

• Position 5: The superintendent of schools or a designated employee of the system school.

Term expires when the superintendent or the appointing superintendent leaves office.

Positions 6 and 7 are appointed by the governing authority of the “largest municipality of the county” (with some exceptions)

• Position 6: The chief executive officer, or another elected member of the City governing authority. Term expires when leaving elected office or when the CEO appoints a replacement.
• Position 7: A consumer or a licensed nurse interested in promoting public health.

Term expires upon completion of the six year term; will be less than six years if appointed mid-term.

Regardless of how they are appointed, the seven members of the Board are equals. Each has one vote, and no single member of the Board has any more authority than the others.

When a Board member’s term expires, the Board member will continue to hold office and may continue to participate and vote on Board matters until a successor is sworn in.

Management of the Board

The law does not dictate how a County Board of Health should organize itself or conduct its business, but says only that the Board “shall establish and adopt bylaws for its own governance,” and shall meet at least once a quarter. Most Boards choose to elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary.

Should the Board require legal advice, the law permits it to seek the services of the county attorney or, budget permitting, to employ counsel of its choosing.

Position 1 and 6 term serves as the term of office. Position 2, 3, 4 and 7 are six-year terms. Position 5 is term of Superintendent or until the appointed person leaves office.