Public Health

2010 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy Financial and Compliance Audit (2011)
Ron Perry, Susan Baugh, Brian Estes, Miller & Miller, P.S., Consultant

The audit reviews EMS Levy fund’s annual revenues, expenditures, and use of designated reserves that are identified in the council-adopted 2010 EMS Levy financial plan. The audit also assesses the cost of EMS dispatch services provided primarily by two independently operated dispatch agencies, and determines whether the 2010 dispatch fee schedules are based on an acceptable methodology. In addition, the audit confirms whether the annual dispatch cost increases can be funded by the EMS Levy for the duration of the six-year cycle. Presented September 7, 2011.

Report in pdf Format (2,608 KB)            Report Summary (65 KB)

Follow-up on Implementation of Recommendations from 2007 Performance Audit of Jail Health Services' Pharmacy Operations and Medication Administration (2011)
Valerie Whitener

The management letter provides the results of our follow-up review of our 2007 Jail Health Services' Pharmacy Operations and Medication Administration performance audit. Presented February 1, 2011.

Management Letter (291 KB)

2009 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Levy Financial and Compliance Audit (2010)
Ron Perry, Susan Baugh, Brian Estes, Miller & Miller, P.S., Consultant

This 2009 Emergency Medical Services Financial Audit focuses on the second year of the EMS Division’s implementation of the 2008 to 2013 EMS Levy. Presented September 21, 2010.

Report in pdf Format (2.5 MB)        One-Page Summary (49 KB)

EMS Levy Financial Review (2009)
Susan Baugh, Brian Estes, Miller & Miller P.S., Consultant

The EMS Levy Financial Review responds to Ordinance 15862 requesting a review and comparison of the county programs funded by the EMS levy, including the annual revenues, expenditures, and reserves to those identified in the council-adopted financial plan. The report also assesses the reasonableness of the financial plan and model in projecting annual costs, and the adequacy of established internal controls to properly manage the financial and contractual aspects of levy-funded Advanced Life Support services. Presented to the Government, Accountability & Oversight Committee September 15, 2009.

Report in pdf Format (3.64 MB) One-page Summary (32 KB)

Environmental Health Services Financial Audit (2008)
Allan Thompson, Ron Perry

The purpose of the audit was to evaluate the methodology and process by which the Department of Health establishes overhead rates and sets fees for Environmental Health Services programs. Presented to the General Government and Labor Relations Committee on December 9, 2008.

Report in pdf Format (420 KB) One-page Summary (26 KB)

Jail Health Services' Pharmacy Operations & Medication Administration (2007)
Wendy Soo Hoo, Cindy Drake, Allan Thompson, Westcoast Consulting Group, LLC

The objective of the audit was to evaluate Jail Health Services' controls over medications (including narcotics and other controlled substances), assess the effectiveness of quality assurance activities, and review staffing and scopes of practice within the context of medication administration and pharmacy operations.

Report in pdf Format (740 KB) Report Summary (28 KB)

Follow-up: Pacific Hospital Preservation and Development Authority Interlocal Agreement (2004)
David Reynolds

This is a follow-up to the 2001 study of the Pacific Medical Center interlocal agreement. The follow-up reviewed implementation of the study’s recommendation regarding the need for Public Health to submit Amendment 1 relating to charity care to the council for review and approval required by the interlocal agreement. Issued July 14, 2004.

Management Letter in PDF Format (32.95KB)

Review of Environmental Health Services Fee Structure Report (2003)
Nancy McDaniel, David Reynolds

A budget proviso required the Department of Public Health (DPH) to review how it allocates investigation and enforcement costs in the fee structure for environmental health permits, and report its findings and recommendations to the council by July 1, 2003. The auditor’s office reviewed key findings, analysis, and recommendations of the DPH evaluation. Issued July 29, 2003.

Management Letter in PDF Format (23 KB)

Pacific Medical Center Interlocal Agreement (2001)
Makoto (Mac) Fletcher

The study reviewed the county’s interlocal agreement with Pacific Medical Center (PacMed) to ensure that PacMed is adhering to provisions of the agreement and that the county is monitoring the agreement. Presented September 11, 2001.

Report Summary  
Report in PDF Format (153KB) 
Appendix 1 (2,453KB) 
Appendix 2 (667KB) 
Appendix 3 (335KB)

Sound Recovery Center Sleep-Off Facility Operation (1997)
Susan Baugh, Risa Sandler

This project reviewed the contract with and the protocols utilized by the Sound Recovery Center in its operation of a "sleep-off" facility. Presented August 22, 1997.

Report Summary

King County Methadone Treatment Programs (1997)
Nancy McDaniel, Kimberly Dutton

The audit evaluated whether methadone programs work and the effectiveness of King County's contract methadone programs. Presented February 11, 1997.

Report Summary

Seattle-King County Department of Public Health Immunization Program (1996)
Susan Baugh

The primary objective of the Immunization Program audit was to review and evaluate the effectiveness of SKCDPH policies, practices, and services for the immunization of children from birth to five years of age. Management controls established for the SKCDPH Immunization Program were also reviewed.

Report Summary

DUI Offender Program (1996)
Kristi Nelson

The audit evaluated the efficiency and effectiveness of the County's DUI program for first-time offenders.

Report Summary

NALGA's 1996 Best Local Government Audit Award

Emerging Infectious Diseases and Laboratory Operations (1996)
Harriet Richardson, Heather Moss-Rich

The audit determined how the Health Department is responding to emerging diseases, some of which are imported by international air travel.

Report Summary

Biomedical Waste Regulation Enforcement (1995)
Bert Golla

The audit evaluated the Health Department's biomedical waste regulations and enforcement of the regulations in the generation, handling, transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal of biomedical waste in King County.

Report Summary

Cedar Hills Alcohol Treatment Facility's Accounting Procedures and Staffing Levels (1994)
Harriet Richardson, Beckett Thomsen

The audit evaluated certain accounting procedures, ratios of supervisory staff to clients, and the filing of incident and observation reports.

Report Summary

Environmental Health Charges to Solid Waste (1992)
Bert Golla, Paul Walker, Makoto (Mac) Fletcher

The study determined the basis of charges made by the Dept. of Public Health's Environmental Health Services Division to the Solid Waste Division, City of Seattle, suburban cities, and other owners of landfills to cover the cost of its regulatory activities.

Report Summary