BOARD OF HEALTH
August 4, 2008
** NOT APPROVED **
Members Attending L. Cusumano, MD, R. Truax, C. Richmond
Others Present L. Ballengee, T. Hull, L. Hennessy, M. McNinch, B. Quinn, T. Brason
Call to Order
President Truax called the meeting order at 7:10 pm.
Approval of Minutes
As there was not a quorum present, the minutes for June 2, 2008 were not approved. They will need to be approved at the September 2008 meeting.
PAC Meeting
*Patient Satisfaction Surveys – one survey showed a “disagreed” with care provided. Laurie
Hennessy stated that the individual had included their name upon returning the survey. Laurie called the individual regarding their dissatisfaction and found that the patient did not understand that it was not the nurse’s responsibility to provide bathing, etc, but could be provided by a home health aide if the patient was found to need one.
*Incident Reports – none
*Start of Care Clinical Record Audit Outcomes – It was noted that the report shows improvement from January to July in some items as well as some that still need to be addressed such as; “SOC Documentation completed, with the exception of MO825 in field edit and synchronized within 24 hours”. The agency had been waiting for therapy frequencies to complete documentation. This is no longer occurring. If necessary, corrections are made in later documentation.
*Comprehensive Adult collation Summary Form – seven clinical records were reviewed. Improvements are needed in completing documentation with 24 hours; and discharge summary complete with goals met/unmet (with explanation for unmet goals)
*Physical Therapy meeting- The department has been meeting with their contract people. A meeting was held with physical therapists to review policies and standards and to explain what is needed as far as documentation of medications, PT only visits recording vital signs; elimination monitoring; any plan of care changes must be documented (change orders completed); coordination of care with nurse. A new form for therapy use has been drafted. Ms. Szabo, JMH would like her staff to look the form over to see if they have any suggestions/additions.
*Adverse Events and HHQI Reports were provided for this committee’s information.
Mr. Hull reported that the auditor commented that we had a very good program, and only had a few recommendations. Letters were sent to parents of one and two year olds using the birth data we also collect. Approximately 600 letters have been sent. An interesting note is that some health care providers did not know they were supposed to perform lead testing on two year olds. At a recent meeting that Mr. Hull attended, a salesman provided him with information on finger stick lead kits. The tests are $6.00 each and it is believed there is reimbursement available from the State. The agency is considering providing this type of lead testing. Discussion took place regarding finger sticks versus venous testing. It is, and is always told to those receiving the finger stick, that it is a “screening tool” only. This information was brought at this time for informational purposes only, and no action is needed.
Physically
Handicapped Children’s Program Audit
This audit also showed that this program was described by the inspector as “very good”, with only a few recommendations or suggestions as to some procedural changes.
ATUPA Grant
The Human Services Committee approved accepting this grant funding totaling $33,113. This year the State is requiring a budget be completed by the Allegany County Department of Health. With only a few more establishments to be checked in the current grant year that ends September 30, 2008, there have to date been no improper sales of tobacco products.
Home Care Update
The home care nurses visits per day were reported ranging
from 3.19 to 4.35 visits/day. Todd Brason of Willcare was present and stated that the application is
going out tomorrow to the State; and he will be calling to expedite the
process. Willcare
has hired an LPN who will start working next week, and are interviewing for a
Registered Nurse position as well. Willcare has met with many
The State is looking closely at Fall Prevention. Steve Tucker, PT, has suggested quarterly reviews be done at Manor Hills in reference to falls. These would be PT only visits, with these visits run through the Health Department (department would bill). The reviews would be used for ways in which to improve the incidents of falls. Dr. Cusumano suggested that the condition of the patient, osteoporosis, poor bone mass, etc also contribute to falls. So it is not necessarily just for environmental reasons, but the physical condition of the patient that contribute to occurring falls. The Department is very excited to be involved in these reviews. In relation to falls, Ms. Hennessy noted while reviewing Home Health Aide notes that three falls have occurred. None were reported directly to her. This information needs to be communicated other than in written documentation.
Article 28 Programs
The Family Planning, Chest, and Immunization Clinics are the department’s article 28 programs. The Department is required to report any incidents involving patients, staff, equipment malfunctions, or infections. There have been none reported between April and June 2008. It has been reported to Ms. Ballengee that the State is very impressed with the Ahlers program that is showing improvements in caseload and reporting for Family Planning. The patient surveys process has become completely anonymous and is being completed by more individuals.
Mr. Hull reported a suspect case of West Nile Virus in
Board of Health member replacement
Members suggested to check with possibly Dr.s Benham, Lamphier, Kaye to replace Dr. Brubaker on the board. This board must include three licensed physicians. It was questioned whether they must be residents of the County and if a dentist would fulfill one of the physician positions. It was again noted that there must be a back up physician for Medical Director in Dr. Depner’s absence.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on September 8th, as the first Monday in September is a holiday.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Claypool