Indian River County Hospital District

Chairman’s Meeting: September 21, 2022

SUMMARY MINUTES
CHAIRMAN’S/ BUDGET PRESENTATION MEETING
Indian River County Hospital District Conference Room/ Zoom
September 21, 2022
10:00 AM

TRUSTEES: Marybeth Cunningham Karen Deigl
Ann Marie McCrystal Barb Bodnar
Allen Jones- via Zoom

ABSENT: Kerry Bartlett

ZOOM: Ed Lowe Marie Andress
William Winns Vicki Soule
Dr. Mallon Caleigh Hansen

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

ATTENDEES: Lundy Fields Bill Stewart
Pat Knipper Bill Stengel
Igor Kromov Megan McFall
Robi Robinson Jennifer Jones

Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman

Mrs. Cunningham convened the meeting of the IRCHD Board of Trustees at 1:00 PM by welcoming those participating via Zoom and in person.

We Care Executive Director Introduction- Robi Robinson

Mr. Robinson addressed the board and stated that he is pleased to introduce Jennifer Jones as the new We Care Executive Director effective September 1st. Ms. Jones stated that she has worked in the community for 20 years and recognizes many faces in the room today. She further stated that she looks forward to continuing her relationships within the community to help grow the We Care organization.

Additional Funding Request for Partners in Women’s Health- Megan McFall, Director of Women’s Health CCIRH

Ms. Cunningham stated an additional funding request from Partners has been submitted to the District in the amount $174,000 for FY 22-23, and that Ms. McFall is here to discuss the request. Ms. McFall addressed the board and stated that after a six-year effort, Partners is now eligible to enroll patients for Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women (“PEPW”). She explained that presumptive eligibility allows a pregnant woman to receive temporary Medicaid coverage for prenatal care. Prior to CCIRH being approved for PEPW, a woman would have to conduct the approval process through the Health Department, which created an extra step in the cycle of care. Additionally, she was made aware of the comments that were made at the Gifford Health Center Advisory Committee meeting concerning care at Partners, specifically relating to women of color. Therefore, Healthy Start and Partners came together collaboratively to discuss these issues and formulate an action plan. She further explained that at tomorrow’s evening meeting, Ms. Berry and other representatives from Healthy Start will provide a presentation to the Trustees with an outline of the corrective action steps they have taken. Additionally, Ms. McFall has a meeting today with Ms. Soule from TCCH to discuss adding prenatal services at the GHC, and CCIRH is fully on board with supporting this initiative. There was group discussion and it was suggested that a summary of the corrective action steps that have been taken to address the concerns raised at the Gifford Health Center Advisory Committee meeting, be forwarded to that group as follow up. Ms. McFall indicated that she would prepare a summary and submit the same to the District for distribution.

Review and Discussion of CIRH Amended Lease Agreements- Jennifer Peshke, Esq.

Ms. Peshke stated that before the board for consideration at tomorrows regular monthly meeting is Resolution 2022-03, which approves and adopts three documents. Those documents are the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Lease; Amendment to the Memorandum of Lease; and the First Amendment to the Declaration of Easements, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions. She provided a historical review of the process and explained that following the CCIRH transaction in 2018, the District also entered into an amended and restated lease with the VNA for the Hospice House, to include additional vacant land along 37th street. This amended and restated lease also included an option to purchase for the VNA regarding the subject parcel. Due to the VNA moving forward with construction plans to build a new building on the property, it was determined by the District and the VNA counsel, as well as CCIRH counsel, that the agreements should be reviewed and revised to ensure all language in the documents met the parties’ intentions. Also, the Declaration is being amended to recognize the Hospice House as party with a right to participate in amendments to the Declaration of Easements, and to clarify a right of first refusal that the hospital held in the lease from 2018. Therefore Resolution 2022-03 will be presented at tomorrow’s regular monthly meeting for adoption. This will finalize the project and ensure all of the documents at issue between the District, the County, CCIRH, and the VNA are legally aligned. There was group discussion and the Trustees were in agreement to move forward with the adoption of the resolution and signing of the amended agreements.

Financial Assistance Database Update- Ann Marie Suriano

Ms. Suriano explained that over the last year there have been internal conversation with District staff concerning the financial assistance database and the value the system and process offers. Currently all fee for service funded agencies are required to upload a patient’s financial assistance application to the portal for review and approval by the District. The review and approval function has been split between Ms. Voss and Daphne Jacko, who works on a part time basis, and Ms. Frederick who manages the system and reporting aspects of the database. Ms. Suriano explained that due to the amount of time and effort current staff spends on the database, she believes hiring a person full time to manage all functions of the system would be the best option for the District, instead of the jobs being split up among staff. Additionally, District staff met with the funded agencies to obtain their feedback concerning the financial assistance process and database and all were in agreement that the database offers value to the qualification process and is a good way to keep patient qualification information in one place. Therefore Ms. Suriano requested that she be able to provide a job description of this position to the Trustees for consideration and begin the process to hire an individual. The Trustees agreed to her request.

GlobeChek Funding Request

Ms. Suriano stated that a proposal summary to continue and extend the offering of GlobeChek services was provided to the Trustees this morning via email for their consideration. The request included costs associated with GlobeChek, Whole Family Health, and TCCH. Mr. Jones has been working directly and has met several times with those parties, to come to an understanding on how to best move forward with the proposal. Dr. Mallon provided some subsequent information concerning the request, but due to technical issues with Zoom, it was difficult to understand some of his comments. Additionally, the other Trustees were not comfortable with considering a proposal given to them at such short notice. They also requested additional detailed information and a breakdown of costs associated with the request. Many felt that they did not fully understand what was being asked from them and that GlobeChek should complete a funding application like other funded agencies, as well, and complete a preaudit questionnaire screening. Ms. Suriano stated that she would reach out to the members of the group and relay the comments that were discussed at today’s meeting.

Public Comment & Adjourn

Mrs. Cunningham asked for public comment and there was none. 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