NRMC BHU has new director

The Nevada Regional Medical Center Board of Directors met in regular session on Tuesday with Steve Russ presiding.

Hospital CEO Steve Branstetter provided written report and discussed the campaign committee Healthcare for Missouri’s petition to get Medicaid expansion on the November 2020 ballot. Freeman Healthcare System CEO Paula Baker informed the board that she had met with Governor Mike Parson, who is not receptive to Medicaid expansion but is more interested in Medicaid reform. She added that if the petition drive is successful, it will put the issue to the voters.

Branstetter also reported a recent audit by BKD completed fieldwork but still has a ways to go before completion. He stated he believed it went well and expects the final report to be presented to the board in November.

The behavioral Health Unit has a new a new director in Cindy Brannan. She was Director of Inpatient Psychiatric Services at Freeman Health System from 1997 until 2015. He thanked Holly Bush for stepping in as interim until a director was found.

Branstetter wrote that, “The NRMC Foundation has set aside $100,000 to be placed in the newly formed NRMC Endowment Fund. The goal is to raise $500,000 in the next several years. Once the funds reach $500,000, it should generate enough income each year to use to supplement the programs and services of the hospital.”

The hospital has received state approval for the pharmacy update project which is expected to begin soon and take six to eight weeks to complete. He reports the computer upgrade project is going well and expects completion by the end of the year.

Controller Dana White reported that although financing was difficult to find for the computer replacement, once the sales tax initiative passed financing in the amount of $184,725 was secured at an interest rate of 3.56 percent. It is necessary to replace 150 computers in order to be able to upgrade to Windows 10. The board approved the financing contract.

White also reviewed financials and reported that overall, it was “a good month and I am very pleased with it.”

The board also approved the purchase of a Radiofrequency Ablation Unit to treat pain patients after White reported that by their calculations of the current usage, the hospital would net approximately $123,000. Although it is possible the equipment may be partially paid for by the foundation, the board still needed to approve, which they did.

Funds for a roof repair over the IT department were approved in the amount of $20,147. They are seeking two additional bids.

Compliance Officer Holly Bush reported that computer replacement and upgrades have begun, she is awaiting the results of a recent HIPPA Risk Assessment, and no hotline reports have been received this quarter.

Bush suggested they table a policy update on Medical Marijuana due to storage issues, but an update to the Conflict of Interest Policy was approved.