Commissioner of Public Health (CGS §§ 19a-1a, 19a-1d, 19a-2, 19a-2a)

The commissioner must: utilize the most efficient and practical means of preventing and suppressing disease; be responsible for the overall operation and administration of the department; contract for facilities, services, and programs to implement the purposes of the department; secure, compile, and disseminate data on prevention and control of epidemics; inspect health care institutions; and oversee local directors of health.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. Describe the mission of DPH. As commissioner, how do you ensure that the department meets it mission? What particular talents and expertise do you bring to DPH?

2. Are you anticipating any restructuring or reemphasis of the agency in the near future that will affect DPH's duties, responsibilities, and priorities?

3. Are current staffing levels and resources adequate to meet your responsibilities? If not, where are the major deficiencies?

4. A public health policy “maxim” is that meaningful health policy decision-making depends on high quality health care data. Please describe the current condition and ability of DPH to collect, analyze, and use health care data in its day-to-day work. What limitations or barriers does DPH face in this regard? Does DPH work, either formally or informally, with other state agencies on data issues (e. g. OHCA, DSS, and Insurance Department)?

5. Does the state need a centralized health care data bank? If so, should it be located in DPH?

CURRENT ISSUES

1. Does the department have a role in the current health care reform debate? What can it do to assist the legislature as well as other state agencies?

2. What are DPH's significant issues for the 2007 Session?

3. Describe the process and interaction between DPH and the various health professional licensure boards. Does this system work adequately to protect the public when disciplinary action is warranted against a health care practitioner?

4. How can you improve your department's website to ensure that it provides clear, timely, and useful information to the public health community, health care professionals, researchers, and the public?

5. Please update the committee on DPH's cancer prevention initiative.

6. Describe the department's responsibilities concerning emergency medical services (EMS). What are some of the significant EMS issues facing the department?

7. What are the important issues faced by local health departments? Describe DPH's relationship with local health departments.

8. What are some of the most important public health issues facing Connecticut's children?

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