Indian River County Hospital District

Chairman’s Meeting: November 18, 2020

SUMMARY MINUTES

CHAIRMAN’S MEETING

Indian River County Hospital District Conference Room

November 18, 2020

10:00 AM

 

 

 

 

TRUSTEES:                             Marybeth Cunningham             Barbara Bodnar

Ann Marie McCrystal               Allen Jones

Karen Deigl                              Tracey Zudans

 

STAFF:                                     Ann Marie Suriano                   Jennifer Frederick

Kate Voss                                    Jennifer Peshke, Esq.

 

Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman

Mrs. Cunningham convened the Chairman’s meeting of the IRCHD Board of Trustees at 10:00 AM by welcoming those participating via Zoom and in person.

 

TCCH FY 19-20 Update- Vicki Soule, CEO

Mrs. Soule prepared for the Trustees a TCCH update from October, 2019 to September, 2020. She stated that it’s been a very unusual year, not just from an operations and volume standpoint, but from a human relations and mental health viewpoint. She further reviewed data concerning their medical and behavioral health services. She also included a comparison of their Patient Satisfaction surveys from last and current year. She is pleased to report that the necessary changes TCCH had to make this year, have been overall well received. She further discussed how TCCH provides COVID-19 testing at their clinics, along with a drive thru option. Mrs. Cunningham asked for an update concerning their clinic at the UP Center. Mrs. Soule indicated that the clinic sees around 15 patients a day and are pleased with the service they receive. She is hopeful that once patients are more comfortable receiving medical care at the center, the volumes will increase.

 

Community Indicators Database Presentation- Jeff Pickering, IR Community Foundation CEO

Mr. Pickering provided a brief history concerning the Indian River Community Foundation. He stated that the purpose of this mySidewalk program database will be to perpetuate the IRC Community Needs Assessment in the areas of children, education, economic opportunity and employment, health, housing and seniors. Democratize community needs data and indicators, while minimizing administrative reporting burdens of participants and promoting information sharing among stakeholders; and develop collective impact and policy solutions to community challenges. There was further group discussion surrounding the implementation of this database and the challenges participating agencies may face, due to their own reporting guidelines. Unfortunately due to technical difficulties the 15 minute video overview of mySidewalk, the  platform, and Community Health Needs Assessment Dashboard was unable to be shown. He indicated that he would provide the information to the Trustees after the meeting and address the board at another time.

 

Phoenix Rising Update- Pedro Bernabe, CEO

Mr. Bernabe provided an update concerning Phoenix Rising and the services they offer through their centers. He provided insight to the Trustees concerning their day-to-day operations and answered questions as they arose. Mr. Bernabe offered the Trustees a tour of their facilities so that they may see first hand how the center is operated. He thanked the Trustees for their continued support.

 

Program Liaison Report- Jennifer Frederick

 Mrs. Frederick provided an update concerning the financial assistance program database. Over the last fiscal year, the District approved a total of 2,496 new financial assistance applications. In addition to new applications, 1,988 renewal applications were processed for a total of 4,484 for the year. For applicants who fall within 151%-200% of the FPG, the District processed just 293 applications which is relatively low. In April, following the outbreak of COVID-19, the District offered patients who qualified due to lost wages, a 90-day approval. However, only 44 approvals were approved under those guidelines.  Lastly, she stated that there was a total of 9,456 members in the database, however only 3,387 of those members are currently active. There was further group discussion surrounding the unemployment rate in Indian River County due to the impact from COVID-19. As of June, the rate was around 6.8%.

 

IRCHD Federal Poverty Guideline Discussion- Allen Jones, Treasurer

Mr. Jones stated that the Trustees have discussed in previous meetings an interest to align the eligibility criteria for the District, with that of Cleveland Clinic, so they are similar. The District’s criteria has evolved and now includes Indian River County resident whose income is at or below 200% of FPG. Since Cleveland Clinic offers free care to those whose income falls below 250% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPG), the question before the board is to consider adopting the same standard in District eligibility criteria. In the current fiscal year, the District budgeted a relatively low millage of .8011. This fiscal year, the District will complete its contractual obligation to CCIRH with remaining payments totaling $4.5 million. These payments represent about 30.6% of the budgeted expenditures or roughly .245 millage. Mr. Jones explained that budgeting for the next fiscal year will afford Trustees an opportunity to potentially increase the impact of healthcare support benefiting lower income residents, while not having to raise the millage on taxpayers. He further explained that in the current fiscal year, the Trustees increased eligibility from 150% to 200% FPG. Based on data provided by Ms. Frederick, there are currently 2,486 new applications in fiscal year 2019/20 with 293 falling within the range of 150-200% of FPG. It is not known how much that cost the District incrementally, from October 1, 2019, when the new range went into effect, but proportionately out of 9,456 in the database, there was an increase of 293 or 3.1%. Further, when 150-200% FPG was added, the District eligible uninsured population grew by 2,565, but only 293 (11.4%) were added to the District database. The impact was minimal on the District’s budget even in a year with the COVID impacting residents’ employment. However, this implies another 9,000+ residents could be covered if the need for medical care surges. Mr. Jones believes this could have a meaningful impact on the budget. It’s also worth noting, that expanding the eligibility criteria up to 250°/o of FPG would only add at most 592 more eligible individuals using 2016 data. At the 11.4% increase in the District’s database experienced in 2020, it is implied that only another 68 people would be added to the database suggesting a minimal impact financially. He feels the big risk financially is from the original, uninsured population in the 0-150% category, that are eligible but not claiming benefits at the moment. By Mr. Jones research and calculations, he does anticipate there will not be much of a financial risk to the District’s budget by expanding eligibility to 250% FPG. He asked for Trustees comment and there was group discussion on the same. It was decided that before increasing the level to 250%, the board would look at ways to further help the already covered population of up to 200%, with additional support and access to specialty services.

 

Other Business

Mrs. Cunningham provided an update on CCIRH and stated that she provided the Trustees with an outline concerning the steps they are taking to respond to calls to the Hospital regarding the new medical records system. They are currently working through those issues and will continue to do so until all matters are resolved. The hospital has freezer to store the COVID-19 vaccine at its required temperature and they hope to have the vaccine sometime in early January. As of November 16th, there were 13 COVID positive patients in the hospital with four in ICU, and this rate has been relatively consistent. Lastly, she stated that she and Mrs. Suriano, along with other community members are serving on the Intensive Outpatient RFP review committee. The committee had an RFP opening on Monday to discuss the proposals and on Friday this week, they will meet with the agencies who submitted the proposals to discuss the same.

Mrs. Peshke stated that the District will have the Amended and Restated Lease Agreement between the District and the VNA, brought before them tomorrow night for approval. She asked the Trustees to carefully review the same and contact her with any questions.

 

Public Comment

Mrs. Cunningham asked for additional public comment and there was none. Mr. Jones made the motion to adjourn which was seconded by Mrs. Bodnar. The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 PM.

 

 

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