Think a new Tri-Cities health leader can buck WA state COVID rules? Think again

With the upcoming departure of Dr. Amy Person, a number of anti-mask Tri-Citians seem to think the next public health officer for Benton and Franklin counties should be someone who would buck state health care rules if the locals don’t like them.

Sorry, it doesn’t work like that.

County health officers don’t have that kind of authority. They are required to support policy and protocols set out by the Washington State Department of Health.

Jason Zaccaria, administrator for the Benton Franklin Health District, confirmed to the Herald that county health officers must follow public health care rules and laws set by the state.

And if they don’t, there could be serious consequences.

State officials have the power to suspend or remove public health officers from their posts.

If a county health officer goes rogue, and if the actions are egregious enough, it’s also possible the state would take away that person’s medical license.

While COVID is still a serious concern, in general life in Washington state now feels close to normal. Masks are no longer required in public places and social distancing is more relaxed. Weddings and other large gatherings are happening again.

Some people are even shaking hands with each other.

But it wasn’t so long ago that the state mask requirement — especially in schools — caused ugly dissent in the community.

Gov. Jay Inslee’s COVID vaccine requirement for health care workers and other public employees also angered many Tri-Citians.

Unfortunately many focused their rage and frustration at Dr. Person — as if she alone had authority to override the state.

Health officers in many other counties left because of the stress of the job. It’s a testament to Dr. Person’s character and her devotion to our community that she stayed to help the Tri-Cities through the worst of COVID — despite the doubt and verbal abuse she endured by some people.

We imagine her compassion and tenacity are among the reasons she was selected for a promotion. She also believed in credible medical data to support masking and vaccines, despite pressure to disregard it.

Now, Washington state has hired her for a new position — regional medical officer for the state Department of Health.

State money was set aside in 2021 to create four regional health districts that can help counties coordinate services. The plan is part of a state effort to offer more support to county health officials.

During the pandemic health officers throughout the state, like Dr. Person, were caught in the middle of political controversies. In order to help remedy that, the state is also requiring every county health district to add non-elected members to its board.

Currently, the Benton Franklin Health District Board is made up of the six county commissioners. Zaccaria said applications for additional board members should be sent out this fall — perhaps as early as September.

While the timing may not work, it would be best if the expanded health board was in place before Dr. Person’s replacement was selected. That way, a broader group would be involved in deciding who should fill this critical role in the community.

Some on the current health district board challenged Dr. Person on the value of masks during peaks in the COVID pandemic and questioned whether COVID vaccines are effective. Dr. Person would cite scientific studies, but the challenges continued.

But again, following state mandates is part of the job of a health officer.

So we thank Dr. Person for her nearly 11 years of service to the Tri-Cities, and for navigating the community through COVID, which is undoubtedly the worst global health scare in recent memory.

Despite what her detractors say, she has done a wonderful job keeping the community safe, and keeping her composure as well.