BOARD OF HEALTH

November 3, 2008

 

** NOT APPROVED **

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

 

Others Present:                    L. Ballengee, T. Hull

 

Call to Order

President Truax called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm.

 

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of October 6, 2008 were approved with correction on page 2, Home Care, 3rd paragraph, “It was also reported that Willcare has entered into a partnership with Somerstreet Capital Partners”.  Motions were made by C. Richmond and Dr. Cusumano.  Motions carried.

 

October minutes were approved with motions from C. Richmond and Dr. Depner and corrections to Home Care Update…”six” contracted, instead of seven.  Motions carried.

 

Home Care

L. Ballengee reported on visits per day by the nursing staff.  They are down a bit due to orientation.

 

Permanent appointment

L. Ballengee reported that approval for her permanent appointment has been received from the New York State Department of Health.

 

BOCES

A letter has been sent to the Allegany/Cattaraugus County BOCES regarding an amendment to the departments contract with them through the Health Department’s 3-5 Program.     The reason for the amendment is that BOCES has not submitted their financial reports to the State Education Department every year and these reports determine the rates that State Ed sets for services BOCES delivers to the children in the 3-5 Program.  Consequently, the Health Department has to keep funds available for these delinquent years to pay an increase in these rates if the State determines that an increase should occur.  The Department has been obligated to pay these increases retroactively.  The amendment is written with timeframes set for BOCES to successfully submit their records and if they do not, it releases us from the obligation to compensate BOCES for any identified increases in rates.  It still provides that if the rates set by State Ed end up being lower than what we have reimbursed, BOCES would be obligated to refund the Health Department for the overpayment amount.

 

Cancer Services Program

This program has been cut an additional 6%; but the targeted goals were not cut.  Other counties chose not to sign a new agreement with the State.  There was talk about cutting services money.  The Allegany County Health Department decided to suspend (2 days) our services, but the State relayed that they would commit to funding through the contract year (March 09), so services have been restored.

 

Flu Vaccination Update

There have been about 2000 vaccinations given.  The goal is to immunize 2400 individuals.  We have gone to offices, businesses, landfill, schools, etc., to administer flu vaccine.   Dr. Depner reported he has had some flu cases come through his office.   The policy in reference to self pay reimbursement of flu inoculations has been amended.    The charge is still $30.00 but there is added flexibility for those who must self-pay but cannot afford the full charge.

 

Family Planning Billing Update

It is reported that six hundred vouchers went out today.  The department is going to lose money in private insurance billing.  The department has talked to Freed, Maxick….regarding negotiated rates for the family planning program, and if we are coding correctly on the bills.

 

Blood Lead Testing Equipment

Mr. Hull requested approval to purchase lead testing equipment.    The equipment has CLIA approval.  Mr. LaFever and Dr. Depner moved to approve the purchase.  Motions carried.

 

Country Estate Mobile Home Park

The owner did not appear at the hearing that took place on September 10, 2008.   Fines totaling $775.00 have been assessed by the hearing officer.   Mr. Hull requests approval to accept the recommendations of the hearing officer with fines due by the end of November 2008.  Mr. LaFever and Ms. Richmond moved to accept the officer’s recommendations.  Motions carried.  Mr. Hull will prepare a Board of Health Order and send to the defendant.   Research will also be done through the County Attorney’s office regarding assessing these fines to property taxes.

 

Almond Village

The Village of Almond is under a boil water “advisory”.   But it is expected that testing will be satisfactory to remove the advisory within the next couple of days.

 

PAC and Home Care Update

Ms. McNinch reported on Start of Care and Comprehensive Audits that continue to show improvement.  Some areas that still need to be monitored are medications and wound care.   Our Adverse Event Report illustrated poor outcomes for our patients receiving wound care.    In-services as well as other education will be taking place to address these issues.

 

November is Home Care Month and the department will be having a luncheon for the Home Care staff.

 

A meeting has been scheduled with the licensed agencies to discuss forms and processes in scheduling of home health aides, LPN’s and personal care workers.   Improvements are needed and the Health Department would like these agency’s input.

 

 The Department was concerned about the infrequent referrals from Jones Memorial Hospital.  Home Care Management staff has addressed this and referrals should be back on track.

 

Executive Session

Motions were made to hold executive session to discuss the past and previous employment history of a health department employee.

 

Adjournment

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Teresa Claypool