I recently met with a member of my state governor’s office about healthcare. I was asked to apply for open positions on the Arizona State Boards and Commissions. Arizona has more than 700 state positions, many of which are vacant. Boards and commissions are intended to represent and respond to the communities they serve. “Board” and “commission” are synonymous and used interchangeably.

Participating on boards and commissions can help individuals gain valuable knowledge and experience. In addition, it can provide the opportunity to serve their community and contribute to decision-making processes. Additionally, board members can build relationships with local leaders and organizations, which can help further professional goals. The amount of time and energy a person spends depends on the position they are assigned. Here in Arizona, they are looking for patients and caregivers who can actively participate on health boards. Each health authority has positions available for non-practicing members to represent the public in general. From what I have seen and heard in other states, this is how it is for most local, state, and federal boards. I have only applied for local and state boards to date.

Board members can gain valuable insight into how government decisions are made and advocate for causes and issues they care about. Participants can also develop practical leadership skills that can be used in their future endeavors. These relationships help board members gain insight into the political landscape. They create a better understanding of how to influence policy and build a network of contacts. Additionally, board members can learn how to negotiate and collaborate with others, as well as how to use these skills to their advantage in the future.

If you still need to learn what these boards and commissions do. Consider them an advisory group that studies specific policy areas and reports to the City Council, state government, health departments, or federal organizations.

Some Boards and Commissions May Include:

• Board of Adjustment
• Construction Board of Appeals
• Health and Human Services Commission
• Industrial Development Authority
• Library Board
• Municipal Property Corporation
• Parks and Recreation Commission
• Planning and Zoning Commission

You may be interested in the Health and Human Services Commission. However, they need an opening as positions are typically 1-3 years. But getting on another board, such as a Parks and Recreation Commission or library board, can also improve healthcare in your area or state. You can choose the artist, books, focus, etc. Please be creative when deciding how to serve in one of these positions. Some boards only have ‘experts,’ whereas others allow public seats. It may help you serve in a different capacity with experience before landing on the Board of your choice.

Taking one of these initiatives is an excellent way to contribute to your community’s health and well-being. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to determine how best to serve their community, but boards and commissions can be a great option that only some think about.

Some of the Boards and Commissions may include:

• Board of Adjustment
• Construction Board of Appeals
• Health and Human Services Commission
• Industrial Development Authority
• Library Board
• Municipal Property Corporation
• Parks and Recreation Commission
• Planning and Zoning Commission

You may be interested in the Health and Human Services Commission, but they don’t have an opening as positions are typically a term of 2 years. But getting on another board, such as a parks and recreation commission or library board, can also help improve healthcare in your area or state because you can help choose the artist, books, focus, etc. Be creative when deciding how to serve in one of these positions. Some boards only have ‘experts,’ whereas others allow for a public seat or two.

Let’s Look At Each Area More Specifically

City Boards and Commissions

City boards and commissions advise local elected policymakers and government management on diverse policy issues. These issues can include public safety, education, housing, economic development, architecture and planning, and other matters affecting the quality of life in the city.

Some boards are designated by statute for a specific purpose, such as a building code board of appeals. For example, in Apache Junction, AZ, the primary duty of the Board is to hear and decide appeals made by individuals regarding construction codes.

All residents are welcome to participate in the process. Many city boards and commissions welcome non-voting associate members who can attend all commission activities except official votes.

State Boards and Commissions

The state boards and commissions can have a variety of functions, including:

• Advising: Providing an in-depth examination of issues
• Communicating: Serving as a communication channel between elected officials and the community
• Brainstorming: Bringing a broad range of ideas and expertise to public decision-making
• Resolving conflicts: Assisting in the resolution of conflicts
• Educating: Providing training
• Establishing standards: Establishing high school graduation requirements
• Enforcing rules: Enforcing rules and regulations that are state-specific for licensure and scope of practice
• Disciplining: Disciplining physicians who violate the Medical Practice Act and laws of their state.

State boards and commissions can report to various entities, including:

• City Council: Boards and commissions report to the City Council about their work
• National Practitioner Data Bank: State licensing and certification authorities must report to the NPDB denials of initial and renewal applications for licensure or certification
• Federation of State Medical Boards: Boards review and investigate complaints received from patients

Federal Boards and Commissions

Federal advisory boards and commissions are groups of subject matter experts who provide advice and recommendations to the president, agency heads, and other staff. There are roughly 1,000 boards or commissions across the government, and service is part-time and non-compensated. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) is a Federal law that governs the establishment and operation of advisory committees. It emphasizes public involvement through open meetings and reporting. Except in certain statutorily defined circumstances, all FACA committee meetings must be available to the public.

Federal advisory committees can:

• Provide an in-depth examination of issues
• Serve as a communication channel between elected officials and the community
• Bring a broad range of ideas and expertise to public decision-making
• Assist in the resolution of conflicts
• Provide training

Resources

Federal Boards and Commission Information

Please address your comments to the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC 20408. Phone: 202–523–5230. Federal advisory committees, as defined by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. app.). A complete listing of these committees can be found in the Annual Report of the President on Federal Advisory Committees. 

For further information on Federal advisory committees and this report, contact the Committee Management Secretariat, General Services Administration, General Services Building (MC), Room 5228, Washington, DC 20405. Phone: 202– 273–3556.

State Boards and Commission Information

Maine Boards and Commissions: This is an example of a state application process. Each state has its boards and commissions and processes for applying for the positions.

Local Boards and Commissions Information

Colonial Heights, VA Boards, and Commissions: This is an example of a city-level position. Most urban cities have boards and commissions and their process of applying for the position. Rural and Frontier areas will often have county-level positions.