BOARD OF HEALTH

Meeting Minutes

March 30, 2009

 

** NOT APPROVED **


Members Attending:  R. Truax, S. Herdman, L. Cusumano, MD., T. LaFever

 

Others Present:        L. Ballengee, L. Hennessy

 

Approval of Minutes

            The minutes of February 2, 2009 were approved with motions from Mr. LaFever and Dr. Cusumano.  Motions carried.

 

LHCSA Update
            Ms. Ballengee reported that Marge Jordan was in today to review the department’s plan and review policies, etc. related to the opening of the Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA).   There were no changes to be made, no recommendations, and we were complimented on our thoroughness.    Approval to operate as a LHCSA was given and became effective today, March 30, 2009.     Another visit will be made by State DOH staff when we make our first home visit.   

 

            Willcare was also approved to open their CHHA/LTHHCP agencies today.   There will be a 60 day transition.   The Allegany County Department of Health can no longer accept home care patients, but there will be a 60 day period before all current patients are transitioned to Willcare.

 

            A letter was sent to all patients, physicians, contract agencies, and payers informing them of the purchase of the CHHA and LTHHCP programs by Willcare.

 

LHCSA Policies and Procedures

            Ms. Ballengee reviewed the LHCSA manual with the Board of Health.  This Board approved the policies and procedures with motions from Dr. Cusumano and Ms. Herdman.  Motions carried.

 

QI Committee Appointments

            The following individuals were approved to serve as members on the LHCSA QI Committee.   Dr. Depner, Medical Advisor,  L. Ballengee, Public Health Director, T. Hull, Deputy Public Health Director,  E. Clark, PHN,  L. Smith, WIC ,  D. Franklin, Clinic Secretary, N. Patrick, Nurse Practitioner,  M. Hunter, Pharmacy, K. D’Ariono-‘Gordnier, Consumer,  J. Hart, MSW, and D. Lewis, Nutritionist.       Ms. Herdman made the appropriate motion approving these appointments, with Dr. Cusumano seconding.  Motions carried.

 

QI Committee Meeting

            This committee met last week.  They also reviewed the LHCSA Policies and Procedures Manual.  Discussion took place on the committee responsibilities.  They will meet quarterly and reports will be given to the Board of Health on their findings.

 

CHHA Patient Satisfaction Surveys

            Survey results distributed for January 2009, December, November, October, and September 2008.   The results were good.  It was noted that if there ever is a negative comment the patient is always called to follow up.

 

Accident/Incident Report

            There are none to report.

 

Chart Audit Results

            It was noted that, although charts are still audited, no report is compiled.  It also should be noted that the agency is providing excellent care and comes in second when looking under “Home Health Compare”.   We always provided good care, but didn’t document properly to show this fact.

 

Dental Services

            Olean General Hospital would like a mobile unit that would provide services to Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties and are looking for monies.     As noted in previous meetings, Cuba Memorial Hospital was given a grant relative to dental services.   Ms. Ballengee has been in contact with both agencies and will continue to work with them by providing suggestions and other organizations that are interested in dental services.   Allegany County is in extreme need for this service for its residents.

 

Election of Vice President

            After brief discussion and consideration, Dr. Cusumano was appointed to the position of Vice President of the Board of Health, with motions from S. Herdman and T. LaFever.  Motions carried.

 

By-Laws

            Updates to the Board of Health’s by-laws were also approved with motions from T. LaFever and S. Herdman.  Motions carried.

 

Other Business

            Brief discussion took place regarding the progress at the old Six-S property in Belfast. 

 

            It was also mentioned that there is a gastrointestinal illness in visitors that attended two different events at the Adams Mark Hotel in Buffalo. 

 

Adjournment

            There being no further business to come before this board, the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Teresa Claypool