Rachel Sprinkle

The board convened to review and discuss a Federal Court Order regarding a Certificate of Need (CON). The meeting included an executive session for the discussion of legal matters, after which it was announced that no formal action was taken.

The board meeting included a review of the state health officer's report, covering legislative preparation, rural health grants, and public health statistics concerning influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Financial discussions focused on fiscal year 2027 budget recommendations for the Department and medical cannabis programs. The board approved consent agenda items regarding regulations for obstetric systems of care, certificate of need processes, hospital operating standards, and child care facility licensure. Additionally, committee reports addressed proposed fee increases for wastewater sustainability and updates on certificate of need subcommittee progress regarding statutory language and exemptions for hospital services.

The board convened to review and discuss an ongoing personnel and litigation matter. An executive session was held to address these topics, after which it was announced that no formal action was taken.

The meeting included recognition for a Senator's efforts in championing public health and the introduction of the new Director of Health Services. Key discussion points included the State Health Officer's report covering EMS memorial dedication, Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness, Rural Health Transformation Grant, and Infant Mortality updates. The Chief Financial Officer presented on the state fiscal year 2027 budget request and provided updates on ongoing construction projects, including pharmacy improvements and parking garage elevator modernization. The State Epidemiologist reported on rising pertussis cases and one related infant death. A consent agenda was approved after one item concerning amendments to Child Care Facilities regulations was pulled for further committee review. Committee reports covered an overview of items prepared for the upcoming 2026 legislative session, including controlled substance law revisions and funding allocations. The Board also discussed the ongoing infant mortality public health crisis, examining rates and collaborative efforts to decrease incidents. The CON committee is preparing recommendations for the legislature.

The meeting commenced with the State Health Officer's reports, including updates on public health week, employee recognitions, and communicable diseases, featuring an overview of rising national Measles cases and current Pertussis trends in Mississippi, where the reported vaccination rate is 97.5%. An update on the 2025 Legislative Session confirmed that the Public Health Trust Fund was signed into effect, and the Certificate of Need (CON) Bill is awaiting gubernatorial passage. The consent agenda, which included amendments to regulations for the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and Reportable Diseases and Conditions, and the repeal of rules for the Office Against Interpersonal Violence, was approved. The Maternal and Infant Health Committee presented three adopted reforms: developing an infant mortality review panel, exploring gun safety promotion for child protection, and fully endorsing presumptive eligibility. The Nominating Committee recommended retaining the current President and Officers, which was adopted. New business resulted in the approval of a Respiratory Protection Fee Itemized List to generate additional revenue for the Department of Health. During executive session, personnel matters were discussed, leading to the announcement that Ms. Patricia Olaude would assume the position of State Registrar.