BOARD OF HEALTH

June 2, 2008

** NOT APPROVED **

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Members Attending: L. Cusumano, MD, R. Truax, T. LaFever, C. Depner, MD

C. Richmond, D. Brubaker, MD

Others Present: L. Ballengee, T. Hull

Call to Order

President Truax called the meeting to order at 7:15 pm.

Approval of Minutes

Dr. Cusumano and Dr. Depner moved for approval of the May 12, 2008 minutes. Motions carried.

Home Care

Ms. Ballengee reported that the Allegany County Board of Legislators approved the purchase agreement and the management contract with Willcare. Under the management agreement Willcare will provide a Director of Patient Services. Ms. Jean Heady will no longer be contracted for this service. This should occur in approximately two weeks. The Board spoke highly of Ms. Heady and is very appreciative of her help with the home care agency.

Prior to final transition of home care services, the Health Department and Willcare will be sending an explanation letter with a brochure to the clients being served.

It was asked if Willcare was offering any Health Department staff positions with their agency. Ms. Ballengee stated that they were interested in staff, nurses, receptionist, billing staff, and had mentioned sign on bonuses. They are also currently looking for centralized office space in Allegany County.

Recent chart audits have shown significant improvements. Brief discussion regarding nurses taking their county vehicles home and visits per day took place.

Medicare Audit

It has been reported by the Accountant that the home care agency lost $780,401.00 in 2007. Some reasons for this increase is the overtime, much occurring at the time of the State survey, and the visits being down from the previous year.

Family Planning Sliding Fee Scale

The fee scale has been revised to correct changes in cost for three medications, percentages in some instances were corrected (100% needed to be 0), etc. Colleen Foreman at the State has approved this fee scale. The department has also received approval on the work plan for this program. Doctors Brubaker and Cusumano moved to approve the scale. Motions carried.

Public Health

The Immunization, STD, CD, Well Child, and TB manuals have been reviewed and approved by Dr. Depner with a correction of removing reference to Yates County and inserting Allegany County.

Environmental Health

Mr. Hull reported receipt of possible lyme’s disease. This agency sends Dear Doctor letters asking for more clinical information.

An investigation on tires building up on someone’s property took place. It appears that the individual is building a fence out of these tires. When mosquito season begins the department will send out a letter and consider possible larval testing.

An individual from California has purchased what was the Cooks Motel/Budget Inn. The Health Department has been working with the code enforcement officer B. Braun to determine what is needed to take place before or if the establishment can be reopened. There is extensive water damage, disrepair, and mold. A letter will be written to this individual stating what needs to be accomplished.

Ms. Ballengee reported that she has completed all the Environmental Health classes required for her position and that she has passed them all.

Board of Health Reappointments/Replacements

Dr. Simons has expressed his continued interest to serve on the Board of Health. Ms. Richmond moved to reappoint Dr. Simons for another six year term beginning July 8, 2008 through July 7, 2014. This will need to go through the Human Services committee.

Discussion took place on possible candidates to replace Dr. Brubaker on this board.

Also discussed was a requirement from the State that the Health Department have a backup for the Medical Director in the event the Director became unavailable. Individuals for this position were also discussed. Ms. Ballengee and Dr. Depner will make some inquiries.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Teresa Claypool