Changes are necessary to the collaborative agreement that is the structural foundation of RiverStone Health, which is also the City County Health Department.
The Montana State Legislature in 2021 passed a law that requires approval by elected officials –rather than just an appointed body or individual — in making some of the decisions that pertain to health and safety in counties.
Local elected county commissioners and municipal elected officials in Yellowstone County are mulling over how to structure the new procedures, with the legal advice of Chief Deputy County Attorney Jeana Lervick.
The issue of who makes some of the primary decisions was brought to the state legislature because of the COVID crisis, during which many citizens began questioning the authority of appointed boards or health officers to impose mandates that issued stay at home orders, closed businesses, and required specific personal health actions. Elected officials were sometimes not even informed of actions or told they had no authority to interfere.
Click HERE to Read Entire Story
