She said she wants to ensure that a candidate chosen will be well versed and highly experienced in the medical field.
“The current population of the island of Rota is quite small compared to Saipan and a large majority of its residents have departed the island thus severely limiting the pool of qualified prospective candidates,” she said.
The current resident director is former Sen. Edward Maratita who replaced Crispin Ayuyu.
Ayuyu was terminated by Arvin C. Ogo, the Rota municipal council vice chairman, in his capacity as acting mayor.
In her proposed amendment to Public Law 16-51, Section 3 § 2807 (j), Santos said the resident directors for the health centers on Rota and Tinian should have at least a bachelor’s degree with five years of management experience.
She said the resident director for the Rota Health Center should have at least a high school diploma with five years of management or health related experience.
“A resident director shall be under the direct supervision of the CEO and shall be responsible for the daily operations of the health center on the island,” her bill added.
At present, the qualification requirements set by Public Law 16-51 are unduly restrictive, she said.