Voting members in Attendance: Bill Shires (WVSOM), Steve Thomas (Mountain Health), David Hughes (Cabin Creek), Chuck Conner (Winding Roads), Jim Welshonce (Mountain Health).

Non-Voting Members in Attendance: Margaret Novacich, Hilda Heady, Robert Blake, Diane Vanhorn, Melissa Marco, Jay Prager, Jacquelynn Copenhaver, Bob Harmon, Ann Reno, Malinda Turner, Judy Koehler, Floyd Price, April Vestal, Lora Adkins, Howard Stallard, Betsy Deggs, Jane Horst, Penny Asbury

Margaret Novacich called the meeting to order at 12:30 pm.

Introductions were made and a sign in sheet circulated.

Chuck Conner provided a brief report from the Finance Sub-Committee meeting at 9:30 am that morning. The draft policy 2002-01 was discussed; two amendments were made to that draft:
 

1. Implementation Responsibility: add “Local Consortia Board”.

2. Procedures, Item 1: Add an item “J” to read “OSCD (On-Site Clinical Director) is allocated at $17,000 per Site Coordinator”.

Voting on the motion for approval of the draft policy with amendments was: Yes – 9,
No –2, Abstaining – 4.

Margaret had distributed the 2nd qtr consortium finance reports to the board members. Rivers and Bridges showed a deficit due to an error in the formulary that will be corrected. Chuck made a motion to approve the reports, Jim seconded, motion passed.

It was also noted that Winding Roads is the only consortium not in compliance with providing an annual audit to the Finance Committee. They have until May 31st before the matter will be brought before this committee for further action.

School funding reports were distributed. Having the schools submit to the same overview process as the community funds have been was suggested by Chuck and others. Robert Blake and Chuck will draft a letter to Dr. Lewis and the school Deans outlining the request and concerns with funds. Some were as follows:
 

1. MU provides no RHEP funds for the Nursing program.
2. Gather input from Lead Agencies, SC’s and others.
3. When budget was blended form legislature we lost Special Projects funds.
4. Inequity for raises (Schools got but community side did not).
5. Will be an invitation to participate fully in the partnership.

Hilda shared a financial breakdown of the budget that the Office of Rural Health operates from. This was detailed and showed the various resources and how they were allocated to the functioning of the office and it’s responsibilities.

The proposed Policy 2002-01 was presented for discussion. The amendments were explained for the sub-committee. Discussion points were as follows in brief:
 

1. Rainelle – We need to show the Legislature the true costs of the program. The proposed policy will create a hardship for some smaller consortia due to the loss of provider time in training.
2. Steve – Do we need this as a policy or guideline? This lead to discussion of the necessity of the Beta-Test period. All consortiums must adhere to the policy in order for us to have an accurate assessment of its value.
3. David – The beta test will reveal the variances between the consortia and we can then re-evaluate and made changes as needed.
4. Jacquelynn – Shared the thought that change or different does not mean bad. Trust in the process.
5. Hilda and Margaret shared passages from he RHI legislation relevant to the conversation.

Motion was made by Chuck for approval of Draft Policy 2002-01 and passing on to the Advisory panel for consideration. Jim Welshonce seconded the motion. Motion passed with no nays or abstentions.
 

Crc
3/20/2002