What if we don’t have individuals in our county who are willing and able to fill one of the “professional” seats on the board (psychologist, veterinarian, pharmacist, etc.)?

Unlike G.S. 130A-35 (regarding boards of health), G.S. 153A-77(c) does not have language allowing members of the general public to be appointed to the CHS board in place of a licensed professional if a licensed professional in a particular category is not available. If no county resident is available to serve in one of those licensed professional positions, then that seat on the CHS board likely must remain vacant. The BOCC and the CHS board should, however, continue to make diligent efforts to recruit CHS board members who will fulfill all of the professional qualifications required by G.S. 153A-77(c).