BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The chairman of the Idaho Board of Health and Welfare has apologized for calling someone a "retard" on Facebook.

Darrell Kerby tells the Idaho Statesman on Tuesday that he used the word while arguing on the Idaho Freedom Action Facebook page. Kerby says he recognizes the word is insensitive and regrets using the term. The comment has been deleted.

The seven-member Health and Welfare board plays a key role in setting the rules and standards of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, including policies on public health care for disabled residents.

Kerby has been serving on the board since 2007 and has been the chairman for nearly a year and a half. His term expires in 2019. Erika McCauley, who is raising a child with Down Syndrome and autism, says she was offended by the comment, especially given Kerby's role guiding the state's services for people with disabilities.

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