SABINE COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING MINUTES

August 23, 2010

The Sabine County Hospital District Board of Directors met in Regular Session on Monday, August 23, 2010 at 5:30PM in the Sabine County Hospital Board Room 167.

Present
Phil Yocom, President
Joe McNaughten, Secretary
Dr. Lana Comeaux, Member
Richard Barnett, Member at Large
Becky Pardue, Office Manager

Absent
Earl Willis, VP & Treasurer

Others Present
Diana Taylor, Hospital Administrator
Andy Freeman, CEO - Preferred Management
Larry Stephens, CFO - Preferred Management
Troy Guidry, Director of Operations - Acadian Ambulance Service
Brandon Hebert, Operations Manager - Acadian Ambulance Service
Monica Keeton, Operations Supervisor - Acadian Ambulance Service
Danielle Ebarb, Sabine County Reporter

I.	President Yocom called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.

II.	Mr. Barnett opened the meeting with prayer. 

III.	With no members of the public present for comment, Mr. Yocom continued the meeting.

IV.	The Board Members agreed to move to Agenda item VI.  Mr. Stephens discussed Preferred Hospital Leasing Hemphill, Inc.’s Balance Sheet and Income Statement as of June 30, 2010.  From the Balance Sheet, Mr. Stephens pointed out that most of the “estimated third-party payer settlements” calculation was caused by overpayments by Medicare. The overpayments are invested and shown in the “other assets” calculation on the Balance Sheet. Continuing to the Income Statement, Mr. Stephens explained that because the anticipated patient days were lower than expected, so are the “net patient service revenue” and “operating expenses.”  Mr. Yocom asked how the Sabine County Hospital District’s UPL payment effected the statements. Mr. Stephens offered that since Preferred is still in the interim period, payments were allocated monthly, as they had been in the past.  The calculations will be different once Preferred receives any benefits from the UPL payment.  In reference to patient days, Mr. McNaughten brought up his inability to schedule an appointment with the Clinic.  While expressing his concerns, he also mentioned that he has previously never had a problem getting into the Clinic and has always had a wonderful experience.  Mr. Yocom then asked about the status of the UPL.  Mr. Freeman and Mrs. Taylor said they should be in the accounts payable cycle Thursday.  Mr. Yocom then asked about the next UPL payment.  Mr. Stephens will inform Mrs. Taylor if or when the next payment should be made.  Mrs. Taylor in return will inform the District. No Action Taken.

V.	Mrs. Taylor reviewed the patient census. As customary, the census has increased as the summer months end.  Mrs. Taylor then stated the Hospital now has two swing bed patients.  Continuing, she gladly mentioned the Hospital’s roof project is almost complete.  Mr. Freeman added Preferred will tentatively have their annual retreat in San Antonio on November 11 – 13, 2010. No Action Taken.

Dr. Comeaux arrived at 5:51 p.m. 

VI.	Mrs. Keeton reviewed Acadian Ambulance Services’ reports for June and July 2010.  Mr. Yocom asked under what circumstances would Acadian take a person to Lufkin Memorial Hospital bypassing Sabine County Hospital. Mr. Hebert gave the instance of severe trauma patients.  He offered the example of anyone with a high index of suspicion for internal bleeding and anyone believed to be suffering a heart attack.  Mr. Hebert said that hospitals like Lufkin Memorial would have surgeons readily available.  Mr. Barnett then asked why a person would be transported to San Augustine. In reply, Mr. Hebert explained they normally choose the closest medical facility.  He added that if the paramedics determine the person in transport is of sound mind, that person will be taken to their preferred facility.  An exception to patient preference, according to Mr. Hebert, would be if paramedics determine another facility would better serve the patient’s health condition.  After paramedics explain their facility choice, if the patient still desires to be transferred to another facility, the patient will sign an against medical advice form.  Mr. Barnett then asked Mrs. Taylor, from her administrative position, are all Hospital related issues okay. Mrs. Taylor reiterated that any issue that has been brought to Acadian’s attention was addressed immediately.  Mr. Yocom expressed his appreciation to Acadian for their ability to cooperate and respond quickly and professionally.  Mr. Hebert explained Acadian is proud to be in the Sabine County area.  Mr. Guidry then added they are currently working on improving their radio communications by having a voice over IP system.  Mr. Freeman then asked if Acadian uses electronic medical records.  Mr. Hebert said they have a pre-hospital care report that is delivered with the patients upon arrival at the hospital.  Then, once complete, the electronic medical record gets faxed to the records department.  No action taken.
 
VII.	Mr. Yocom asked that minor corrections be made on the July 26, 2010 minutes. The corrections included clarification of recently hired nursing staff from item VI and rewording of item VIII due to repetition.  Mr. McNaughten asked for clarification on item VI concerning wording on swing bed brochure.  He then asked item VI note upon graduation completion. Concerning item XII, Mr. Yocom asked that the amount of each bid be included.  With those corrections, Mr. Barnett moved to accept the consent items. Mr. McNaughten seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

VIII.	Dr. Comeaux moved to reimburse the First Responders for the number of runs made from January 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010 for a total of $18,000.00 to be shared in a pro-rata percentage.  Mr. Barnett seconded the motion.   Motion carried.

IX.	There is no new information concerning the shelter of last resort. No action taken.

X.	Mr. Barnett stated that September 27, 2010 and October 25, 2010 are the regular scheduled dates.  No action taken.

XI.	Mr. Barnett moved to allow Mrs. Pardue to reactivate the payroll account with Sabine State Bank and order checks for the purpose of payroll.  Dr. Comeaux seconded the motion. Motion carried.

XII.	Board members discussed entertaining bids from the public to trim trees.  Mr. Yocom suggested requiring the trees be trimmed at least eight (8) feet above the ground.  Mr. McNaughten moved to ask the public for bids to trim trees at least eight (8) feet above the ground on Sabine County Hospital District property. Dr. Comeaux seconded the motion. Motion carried.

XIII.	With no attorney present, a closed session did not take place.

XIV.	Board Member Comments:
Mr. Barnett: mentioned he would like to review Mr. Keating’s invoices to the 
 District.
Mr. Yocom: none
Dr. Comeaux: none
Mr. McNaughten: none

XV.	Meeting adjourned at 6:18 pm.

_________________________________                 ___________________________________
Phil Yocom, President				Joe McNaughten, Secretary
Sabine County Hospital District			Sabine County Hospital District
Board of Directors 					Board of Directors