Policy 15
Standing Planning Advisory Committee Policy
rev. March 12, 2026

1. Definition
The Planning Advisory Committee is a standing committee of the Mendocino Coast Health Care District (MCHCD), established in the Board Bylaws to support the MCHCD Board in developing informed recommendations regarding the future of the District’s hospital facility, especially in relation to seismic compliance, infrastructure modernization, and long-term strategic facility planning. The Committee operates in accordance with MCHCD Bylaws and is subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act.

2. Purpose
The Planning Committee may:
i. Monitor the implications of a seismic retrofit of the hospital;
ii. Develop a recommendation for a 5-year plan of the Board.

3. Membership and Structure
The Planning Advisory Committee shall be chaired by the Board Vice-Chair. Membership shall include not more than two Board members and up to six members of the public with relevant expertise or interest in public finance, healthcare, or governance. Members shall be appointed by the Board Chair with ratification by the full Board at a publicly noticed meeting. The Committee shall meet at least quarterly, or more often as necessary, and shall report to the Board following each meeting. The District Manager or consultant, and/or Chief Financial Officer shall serve as staff support, and as liaison to operating partner Adventist Health to preserve Adventist Health’s effective participation while maintaining proprietary business intelligence and medical confidentiality and shall report to the Board.
4. Reporting and Compliance
The Planning Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity only and holds no decision-making authority. The Committee is subject to the notice, agenda, public participation and open meeting requirements for Standing Committees under the Ralph M. Brown Act. All recommendations shall be forwarded to the full Board for consideration and possible action. To comply with the Public Records Act and other applicable law, issues involving Adventist Health’s proprietary business information must be addressed at the staff-to-staff level to preserve Adventist Health’s proprietary rights and prevent violations of applicable law.
Minutes of all meetings shall be maintained and included in subsequent Board packets.