Indian River County Hospital District

Chairman’s Meeting: March 14, 2018

SUMMARY MINUTES
Chairman’s Meeting
Indian River County Hospital District
Hospital District Conference Room
March 14, 2018
10:00 AM

TRUSTEES: Marybeth Cunningham; Allen Jones; Ann Marie McCrystal; Tracey Zudans; Barbara Bodnar; Dr. Michael Weiss

EXCUSED: Karen Deigl

STAFF : Ann Marie Suriano;  Jennifer Frederick; Kate Voss; Jennifer Peshke, Esq.

OTHER ATTENDEES: Wayne Creelman, M.D;. Gina Palladino; Brett Hall; Myra Weiss; Vicki Soule; Miranda Hawker; Kathy Orton

Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman

Mrs. Cunningham convened the monthly chairman’s meeting of the IRCHD at 10:00 AM by welcoming those in attendance.

UF Clinic Update & Additional Funding Request- Wayne Creelman, M.D.

Dr. Creelman provided a historical review of the University of Florida Department of Psychiatry clinic in Vero Beach. He explained that the center just celebrated their 10th year in operation and it has successfully trained residents, fellows, postdocs and medical students. The center also offers care to approximately 7,500 people in need of mental health services and has provided over 88,000 visits. Dr. Creelman explained that through financial management at UF, administrators were able to stretch the original philanthropic investments to cover operations over the last nine years. In doing this, it allowed the center to continue operating despite the unrealized matching gift, declining reimbursements and increasing psychiatrist shortages. Recently, the Dean of College of Medicine has reviewed the clinic operations and determined that the ongoing deficit does not represent any inefficiencies of the center, but rather the manner that mental health care services are currently reimbursed. Dr. Creelman stated that the Center is one of the top performers in the UF psychiatry department however, there is now an ongoing need for operational support to the UF Center so that it may continue its work in the community. Should they not be able to raise the funding, UF has indicated that it would close the clinic. Dr. Creelman explained that the UF Department moving forward will need to obtain $300,000 in bridge funding for the academic year July, 2018- June, 2019. They have targeted further operational support from other agencies in the county to reach their goal, but are requesting $125,000 in funding from the District. There was further Trustee discussion concerning the request. Many of the Trustees voiced their concerns surrounding the clinic being unable to obtain the funding, which would result in the closed business. They felt closing the UF clinic would impact the community negatively. Others had concerns with providing the funding and the further sustainability of the program. There was subsequent discussion concerning funding the clinic at only $100,000 and providing the additional $25,000, should they not obtain that funding from other sources. Mrs. Bodnar made a motion to approve the request of $125,000, as a one-time payment and the motion was seconded by Dr. Weiss. The motion carried.

Discussion of increase in District income guidelines- Ann Marie Suriano & Jennifer Frederick

Mrs. Frederick discussed matters concerning the District’s use of the Federal Poverty Guidelines in determining if a patient is eligible for indigent care. Currently, the District approves individuals who are 150% or below the Federal Poverty level. There has been discussion among the Trustees and with funded organization about raising the level to 200%, which could potentially cause a 50% increase in volumes of qualified indigents. Mrs. Zudans requested data which would show what the financial impact of raising the rate may have on the District. It was discussed by Mrs. Suriano and Mrs. Frederick that it would be difficult to project the impact due to many unknown factors concerning what the patient is being seen for and the cost associated with that visit. There was discussion among the Trustees that the funded agencies should include the data and total projected cost for patients at 150% and 200% of the Federal Poverty level, within their 2018 funding applications which are due in April. Once the District receives these applications, Mrs. Frederick will review the same and prepare a summary of her findings. The Trustees also suggested that Mrs. Frederick look to other Florida District’s to see what percentage they use for qualifying indigent residents. The Trustees agreed that they needed more information on this matter before making a definitive decision to be considered for a vote.

Open Trustee Discussion-

Mrs. Cunningham stated that the Letter of Intent between IRMC, the District and Cleveland Clinic has been signed. Currently all agencies are conducting due diligence and it will be three weeks or more before any discussion will take place concerning the definitive agreement. She explained that the Cleveland Clinic will take the first attempt at preparing a lease agreement for review and consideration. She encouraged the Trustees to direct any questions to Mr. Boyles or Mrs. Peshke.

Review of District Board Self Evaluations- Ann Marie Suriano, Executive Director

Mrs. Suriano stated that through the strategic plan there was an effort to conduct board self-evaluations. She stated that she has reviewed the responses and six trustees completed the document. Some of the feedback addressed was the desire to have more opportunities in the community for better recognition of the District and its impact on the community. Additionally, Jarrard prepared a PowerPoint presentation that could be distributed and presented by the Trustees. Additionally, she explained that she has received feedback from the Trustees concerning the PowerPoint and will work with Jarrad to incorporate those edits. She also stated that the Trustees indicated they would like more continuing education opportunities, along with health related periodicals or magazines. She encouraged the Trustees to subscribe to Becker’s Review and the South Florida Healthcare Report. Additionally, the Trustees currently receive the publication Trustee Magazine. She encouraged the Trustees to notify her of any other continuing education opportunities they would like to engage in, so that she may bring them before the board.

Other Business-

Mrs. Cunningham stated that she attended the Indian River Board of County Commissioner’s meeting yesterday. She explained that many of the local government agencies in the community start their meetings with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. She asked the Trustees if they would like to do the same at the District’s regular monthly meeting. The Board agreed and Dr. Weiss volunteered to lead the group in the Pledge.

Public Comment- There was no public comment.

Adjourn- The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 AM

WILLIAM COONEY

SEAT 7

William P Cooney MD is an orthopedic surgeon (retired) who has been a resident of Vero Beach since 2004. He practiced orthopedic surgery at Indian River Medical Center from 2006-2015 within the orthopedic practice of Prosports. He served on the IRMC Foundation for four years. Prior to this, he was a Professor of Orthopedics at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota, Chair of the Division of Hand Surgery and Vice president of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. He served as the Vice Chairman of the Mayo Clinic Development Department. He has been President of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation, Consultant at Shrine Hospital systems. He was editor in chief of the Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and co-editor of the Journal of Hand Surgery. He held grants in hand and wrist surgery sponsored by National Institute of Health (NIH) and Stryker Orthopedics and has over 250 publications in the field of orthopedic surgery, hand, wrist and elbow surgery and microsurgery- free tissue transfers. Within Indian River County, he has served as Chairman of the Board and President of the Hope for Families Homeless Center, Board of the Indian River Hospital Foundation, We Care and Whole Family Health Center medical practices.

Term:  1/23-12/24

Origination: Elected (2 OC)

Occupation: Retired Surgeon

KERRY BARTLETT

SEAT 6

Kerry Bartlett,  of Vero Beach, has more than 30 years experience in philanthropy, including as vice president of the VNA & Hospice Foundation; VNA chief advancement officer from 2001-2007; and executive director of the Indian River Community Foundation from 2008-2014. Kerry is the founder of The Bartlett Company, which focuses on nonprofit and philanthropic consulting. She also is a managing director for Carter, a Vero Beach company that specializes in advancing philanthropy worldwide. Kerry has spent more than 25 years in the nonprofit sector as a fund development professional and has particular expertise in annual funds, major gifts, endowment campaigns and legacy giving. Kerry is also known for creating and implementing effective donor-centered stewardship programs that build, maintain and strengthen nonprofits’ relationships.

Term:  3/21-12/22   |   1/23-12/26

Origination: Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis
Elected NOC

Occupation: Philanthropic Consultant/Managing Director

KAREN DEIGL

SEAT 5

Karen has been President and CEO of Senior Resource Association, where she successfully advocates for older adults and their families, since 2006. In that role, she helps provide activities, education and services benefiting older and disabled adults in Indian River County. In addition, Karen provides oversight of the community mass transit system for residents and visitors of the county. As CEO, Karen is responsible for a $7 million operational annual budget and managing more than 100 employees. She ensures that fiscally sound and responsible solutions are created to provide healthcare and a better quality of life for all Indian River County residents. Karen earned a BS in Health Administration from Florida Atlantic University and an MHA from the University of Florida. She was elected to the Indian River County Hospital District Board of Trustees in 2016, and joined the Board in January 2017.

Term:  1/17-12/20   |   1/21-12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected NOC

Occupation: President/CEO

PAUL WESTCOTT

SEAT 4

Paul Westcott has been a Board Certified Workers' Compensation Attorney since 1999. In addition, Paul has earned his certification from the Florida Supreme Court as a Circuit Civil and Family Law Mediator. Receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in both Economics and Political Science at Florida Southern College, he continued his education at Stetson University College of Law. He graduated from Stetson in 1988, having been a published member of the Stetson Law Review. Paul has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1988.  He began his practice in a combined civil litigation and transactional practice before serving as an Assistant State Attorney.  He began his career in Workers' Compensation with Rissman, Weisberg, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue & McClain P.A., where he handled Workers' Compensation cases at the trial and appellate levels.  In 1997, Paul opened the Ft. Pierce office of Hurley, Rogner, Miller, Cox, Waranch & Westcott P.A. handling workers' compensation cases at all levels throughout central and south Florida, while managing the operations of that office.  During his nearly 25 year career in Workers' Compensation, he lectured on a wide range of industry topics.


Term: 
1/23-12/26   |   1/21-12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC 

Occupation: Attorney & Mediator

BARBARA S. BODNAR

SEAT 3

Barbara has practiced physical therapy, specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine, in her hometown of Vero Beach since 1981. She was an integral part of the sports medicine team at Vero Beach High School for 35 years. Barbara completed the reserve police academy training, and served with the Vero Beach Police Department from 1982-1989. Her volunteer involvement in the community includes serving on the City of Vero Beach Recreation Committee, Arthritis Association of Indian River County, and the Senior Good Life Games. She and her husband, Michael, enjoy spending their free time traveling in their RV and training their Labradors, Gunner and Chase, in K-9 performance events, including agility and dock jumping. Barbara is a lifelong resident of Indian River County, and received her degree in physical therapy from Chattanooga State College. Barbara was elected to the Indian River County Hospital District Board of Trustees in 2016, and joined the Board in January 2017.

Term:  1/17-12/20   |   1/21-12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected 1 OC

Occupation: Physical Therapist

MICHAEL KINT

SEAT 2

Born and raised in Illinois, Michael was a Theatre and Speech Instructor at Lincoln College when he moved to Indian River County in 1984. He was the Director of Education for the Riverside Theatre for a decade, helping to build the Riverside Children’s Theatre and directing many productions. Michael is well known in the community for his 25 years of service at the United Way of Indian River County, 16 of those years as the CEO. He is very proud of his work with dozens of nonprofit agencies and his commitment to creating and strengthening community collaboratives. Michael was also an Adjunct Faculty member at Barry University for 20 years. He has served on many boards and committees over the years, including: Children’s Services Advisory Committee Needs Assessment, Chair of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program for many years, and he was a founding member of the Mental Health Collaborative, the Senior Collaborative of IRC and the IRC Executive Roundtable. As a Hospital District Trustee he is committed to serving all the citizens of our county. In particular, he hopes to see enhanced availability and affordability for behavioral/mental health for all in need.

 

Term: 1/23- 12/26

Origination: Elected 1 OC

Occupation: Retired CEO United Way

MARYBETH CUNNINGHAM

CHAIRWOMAN - SEAT 1

Marybeth’s professional career encompasses 34 years of working for GM/Delphi in a variety of positions. Starting out as a traffic claims clerk, she worked her way through the organization, with roles in Purchasing, Engineering, and Quality and Reliability. She retired in 2009 as the executive director of Global Operations for the Packard Electric Division of Delphi. In this position, she was responsible for 94 plants in 33 countries. Marybeth has served on the board of directors for numerous non-profits, including Northeast Ohio Adoption Agency; United Way of Warren Ohio, where she served as chairman of the annual campaign for two years; Up with People; Head, Heart and Hands of Indian River Club; Indian River Community Foundation, and the Indian River Mental Health Collaborative. She earned her B.A. in Political Science from Albion College. Marybeth was elected to the Indian River County Hospital District Board of Trustees in 2014, and joined the Board in January 2015. She currently serves as Chair.

 

Term:  1/15-12/18   |   1/19-12/22   |   1/23- 12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected  NOC | Elected NOC

Occupation: Retired Executive GM