The Board of Trustees met in regular session Monday, at which time they approved the purchase of the nursing home property located west of the hospital for the total purchase price of $22,000.

The board also approved the purchase of the budgeted Endoscopy Equipment from Stryker in the amount of $324,582.97. The board also approved the purchase of the budgeted C-arm from Philips in the amount of $132,615.

In other reports, Mrs. Ford reported that the outreach clinics had a good month with a total of 234 admissions and 49 outpatient procedures that were contributed to JCMH for the month of September.

Bill Wilson reported on physician recruitment. Dr. Prasana, IM physician, continues to show interest in JCMH, but has not made a final decision. We are finalizing a contract with Dr. Sneed, OB/GYN. Continuing to search for additional CRNAs.

Doug Tye from BK&D reviewed the Annual Audit for 2007-2008. He provided statistics from July 2004 through June 2008. The audit results indicated that the hospital ended the year with a bottom line of $4,075,269. The board approved the audit as presented.

Dena Daniel, Director of Revenue Cycle, reviewed JCMH’s collection procedures and the challenges the Revenue Cycle Department faces. Mrs. Daniel compared JCMH to other area hospitals for their time-of-service collections policies. JCMH and other hospitals all use similar procedures. The board approved the Collection Policy with no changes.

Fixed Assets from Funded Depreciation and Designated Funds to Funded Depreciation were approved in the amount of $4,188,533.84.

The board approved the proposed changes to the employee benefit plan to be effective in January 2009. The changes to the health plan include a 5% increase in premiums. The vision plan will offer two different options of coverage and the Prescription Plan will change to a three-tier plan that will now offer non-formulary medications. The Dental Plan will remain the same.

Mr. Graham presented the third quarter safety report including the number of fire drills conducted, fire system inspection, new employee orientation and work related injuries. The third quarter work related cost is less than it has been for the previous three years.

The board approved the denial of a liability claim as recommended by legal council Mary Hanan.

The board reviewed and approved the revised Patient Grievances Policy to include the delegation of oversight of patient grievances to the Performance Improvement Committee.

Mr. King reported from the Performance Improvement Committee meeting that was held on October 7. A training and planning session will be scheduled for the board members to review the 2009 updates to the Joint Commission standards and to prepare for the next Joint Commission survey.

Dr. Zakhary reported from the JCMH Medical Staff Executive Committee meeting that was held on October 13. The Board approved the following recommendations: Additional Privileges and Change from Courtesy to Active Staff, James Newman, MD - Radiology, Temporary Privileges: Bryce O. Bliss, MD - Pathology, Initial Appointments, Reappointments and Joint Injections Added to FM Privilege Form.

Mrs. Davidson reported on the Financials for the month of September. Inpatient revenues were over budget while outpatient and outreach revenues remained under projections. Expenses were at budgeted levels, but due to unusual items such as high claims and a high number of charity write-offs, we ended the month with a net loss of $49,207 and year-to-date net income of $296,937.