To: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Department of Health Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Tina Rivera, 707-565-4774
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Health Officer Appointment
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Adopt a resolution appointing Dr. Tanya Phares to the position of Health Officer for the County of Sonoma effective November 14, 2023.
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Executive Summary:
The Board of Supervisors appoints the County Health Officer in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 101000, and the Health Officer reports to the Director of Health Services.
The County Health Officer provides leadership for the protection of public health, enforcement of public health regulations, and serves as an advisor to elected and appointed officials, members of the medical profession, and the public on matters affecting health and safety. The COVID-19 Pandemic exemplifies the importance and criticality of a well-qualified Health Officer who is knowledgeable in infectious diseases and demonstrates excellent leadership.
This item requests adoption of a resolution appointing Dr. Tanya Phares to the position of Health Officer for the County of Sonoma. If approved, Dr. Phares will begin employment with Sonoma County effective November 14, 2023.
Discussion:
The Board of Supervisors appoints the County Health Officer in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 101000, and the Health Officer reports to the Director of Health Services.
The County Health Officer provides leadership for the protection of public health, enforcement of public health regulations, and serves as an advisor to elected and appointed officials, members of the medical profession, and the public on matters affecting health and safety.
A national recruitment process was conducted and administered by the Department of Human Resources consistent with Civil Service requirements. Dr. Tanya Phares has emerged as the top candidate as a result of the recruitment process.
Dr. Phares brings to the County Health Officer position a wealth of knowledge and experience. Dr. Phares earned her medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences and completed an internal medicine residency at the University of California, Irvine, and a preventive medicine residency with the California Department of Public Health. Dr. Phares received a master’s degree in public health from Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and completed a research fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Dr. Phares has served in several leadership roles, developing polices for the delivery of preventive services, hospital, and transitional care. Leadership roles include serving as Chief Medical Officer for an acute care hospital, Chief Medical Director of a health plan and Medical Director for a vaccine clinic in Nevada. Dr. Phares is a certified physician executive with the American Association for Physician Leadership, a diplomate of the American Board of Preventive Medicine, American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine, and American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Phares has authored multiple research papers in peer-reviewed medical journals, as well as a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) for the CDC and served on the Prevention Practice Committee for the American College of Preventive Medicine, developing national guidelines for clinical preventive services. Dr. Phares continues to serve on the Preventive Medicine Advisory Committee for the California Department of Public Health and as community faculty with the University of Nevada, Reno, School of Medicine.
Dr. Phares will develop medical protocols for the Department of Health Services; serve as an advisor to elected and appointed officials, members of the medical community, and the public; and play an integral role in the development of reports on the health status of the community. Dr. Phares will be responsible for ensuring medical oversight and enforcement of public health laws, regulations, and ordinances across the jurisdictions of Sonoma County. Dr. Phares will collaborate on the implementation of the Department of Health Services Strategic Plan, will work to develop and implement health policies that improve community health in Sonoma County, and will ensure that Board of Supervisors’ priorities are addressed. Dr. Phares will work with community partners on local initiatives including, but not limited to, the local food system, water and environmental quality, dental health for children and adults, and the health care delivery system integration supporting the “Triple Aim” of improved care, decreased cost, and increased access.
If approved, Dr. Phares will begin employment with Sonoma County on November 14, 2023.
Strategic Plan:
N/A
Racial Equity:
Was this item identified as an opportunity to apply the Racial Equity Toolkit?
No
Prior Board Actions:
On August 1, 2023, the Board appointed Dr. Karen Smith to the position of Interim Health Officer effective August 5, 2023. The Board also authorized the Director of Health Services to execute a professional services agreement with Dr. Smith in the amount of $75,000.
Fiscal Summary
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
This position is already budgeted. There are no changed fiscal impacts with appointing a Health Officer. FY2023-2024 budgeted Salary & Benefits for the Health Officer is $487,200.
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
Attachment 1 - Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None