The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM by Jacquelynn Copenhaver in the Room 230. Parr asked everyone to share an appreciation of someone not recognized at the Banquet on Monday evening.
Approval of Minutes
On a motion from Chuck Conner, seconded by Jennifer, the minutes of the January meeting were approved as submitted.
Committee Replacements
Jacquelynn also reported that Jennifer had volunteered to take the Corresponding Secretary position to replace Kelly who has left us and Chuck will take care of the Next Steps. Kathryn has agreed to serve on the Community Outreach Committee. Hearing no objections, they will assume these roles immediately.
Review of Next Steps from January Meeting
Americorps Grant application – April reported on the Americorp grant application and asked SC’s who wanted to submit a letter of support to do so by end of day tomorrow, April 21, 2001.
School of Pharmacy – April told the SC that Carla See has taken Clarke Ridgeway’s position at the School. Carla would like to come to a SC meeting to discuss the new PharmD program and how the curriculum will affect the RHEP rotation. The group decided to invite Carla (and Clarke) to the next regular meeting of the group.
Malpractice Issue – April reported Hilda was planning to address the Malpractice issue at the retreat.
Tobacco Intervention Statewide – April reminded SC’s that she has been working with Amy Reasinger Allen (Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center) and the Bureau to team up for a statewide intervention program. The planning phase is through June of this year and they would like to hold a meeting in the upcoming months to “plan” the actual activities that would be held at the community level. It was decided to suggest the afternoon of April 10, 2001 for the meeting. Further, Elizabeth suggested that perhaps a committee to represent RHEP could work on this. SCs should submit names of interested parties to April.
WVU School of Nursing – April told the group that she had spoken with Imogene Foster about her recent letter concerning agreements. Dr. Foster confirmed that if an individual site had a problem that it would be discussed directly with them.
Reauthorization – Hilda reported that the reauthorization bill is not drafted but the full amount of the current budget ($7.5 mil) will be included for a 3-year appropriation in the Higher Ed budget. She discussed various scenarios and asked everyone to look at the original language and make comments about needed changes.
She also outlined the details on the $1.5 mil request for additional money that is a separate issue. This is for Community programs and the Governor’s office is willing to work with Dr. Weston to find that money. It includes $500,000 to combat the effects of flat funding including salary increases; $300,000 for the evaluation piece and $670,000 for community health promotions (which were the projects that we suggested in the early stages of budget planning). Hilda is working with Sally Richardson and Alicia Tyler to give a presentation and facilitate a discussion on this issue and other social and political factors that impact rural recruitment and retention at the March SC retreat.
Physician shortage issue - Hilda made some remarks about the “physician shortage” issue and identified some history that explained the State Medical Society’s campaign. She said that only one other state has a provider tax like WV and the malpractice insurance rates were some of the highest in the country. The dilemma that many physicians face, she stated, is how to balance the care rendered to the uninsured in the state and make high malpractice premiums and pay a provider tax. She plans to discuss this more at the upcoming Retreat.
Other Business
Dr Bill Carlton is working on a project as part of the Community Voices project to measure the “effectiveness of leadership” in our communities. Hilda proposed that RHEP work with Dr. Carlton toward a report that would come out on the 10th Anniversary of RHEP in 2002. Jacquelynn and Jennifer volunteered to serve on this “Bigger Picture Concept” as it will be know for right now.
Evaluation Committee/Rotation Designation – Jennifer discussed the recent questions about rotation designations. It was decided that perhaps a meeting could be called for discussion and clarification to include School Committee and SC.
March Retreat – Jennifer reviewed the retreat plans for March 14-16 at North Bend State Park. Bob Walker, MD has been confirmed as the Wednesday evening presenter. Invoices were passed out for meals (lodging will be covered by ORH) and SC’s were asked to have that payment to Chuck prior to the retreat if possible. Cabin assignments were made and questions answered.
Annie McIntosh retirement is coming up. Jennifer asked SC to send her some “recipes for RHEP success” (and food recipes also) and she would compile them into a book for Annie from the SC. Chuck also said that Winding Roads would be having a reception or something and we would be hearing about that later.
Parr read the meeting critiques and the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 AM.
Next meeting will be held on March 20 at the Days Inn in Flatwoods.
2001 Meeting Dates – (* panel months)
January 22 – 10 -1 (Mgtn) July 17* - 9 -12:30 (Days)
February 20 – 9-12:30 (Chas) August 14 – 10-3 (Brax LRC)
March 20* - 9-12:30 (Days) September 18* - 9-12:30 (Days)
April 10 – 10-3 (Brax LRC) October 9 – 10-3 (Brax LRC)
May 15* - 9-12:30 (Days) November 20* - 9-12:30 (Days)
June 12 – 10-3 (Brax LRC) December 11 – Holiday meeting