Each county may establish a wellness council to develop a wellness program for full-time county employees. The wellness council shall establish determining factors to monitor the achievement and maintenance of healthy lifestyles with the ultimate goal of reduction of claims and the subsequent reduction of costs for health insurance. 19 O.S. § 1302
The wellness council shall track the number of participants, the cost of insurance premiums, and expenditure of funds on an annual basis and report findings to the board of county commissioners at a regularly scheduled meeting in January. Any person reporting shall be in strict compliance with all privacy laws.
Wellness Program Fund
Each county may establish a separate fund to be designated as the “Wellness Program Fund.” The Wellness Program Fund shall be a continuing fund, not subject to fiscal year limitations, and shall consist of all monies received by the wellness council through general county funds and through grants, donations, contributions, and gifts from public or private sources. Monies from the Wellness Program Fund may be used for incentives to encourage participation by employees and for costs related to the operation of the wellness council.
The Board of County Commissioners
The board of county commissioners shall provide incentive awards, as created by the wellness council, to employees for participation in voluntary wellness programs that result in improved health. 19 O.S. § 339(A)(26)
