Are local public health agency (LPHA) employees subject to the State Personnel Act?

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The answer varies by type of LPHA. The employees of county and district health departments are covered by the State Personnel Act (SPA).[1] Public health authorities are exempt from the State Personnel Act (SPA) and have specific statutory authority to establish salary plans for their employees.[2] Employees of consolidated human services agencies are exempt from the State Personnel Act (SPA) and are subject to county personnel ordinances and policies.[3]

Local health department employees may be removed from SPA coverage if the county commissioners establish a local personnel system that the State Personnel Commission determines is substantially equivalent to the SPA.[4]

[1]G.S. 126-5(a)(2)c.

[2]G.S. 130A-45.12; 130A-45.3(a)(7).

[3]G.S. 126-5(a)(2); 153A-77(d).

[4]G.S. 126-11(a).

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Are local public health agency (LPHA) employees subject to the State Personnel Act?

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