Brookings Health System
Board of Trustees
Minutes of Meeting
June 26, 2023
The Brookings Health System Board of Trustees held a meeting on June 26, 2023, at the Brookings Hospital in the Board Room with the following members present: Dick Peterson, Sheila Anderson, Lynn Darnall, Andrew Ellsworth, Tracy Greene, Don Greiner, Mary Anne Krogh, David Meyer, Jim Morgan; Ex-officio: Brianna Doran and Ryan Krogman
Management Present: Jason Merkley, CEO; Tammy Hillestad, CNO; Melissa Wagner, CFO and Sheri Wiig, recorder
President Peterson called the meeting to order at 5:48 p.m.
Members toured the radiology department to see the new advanced CT scanner with AI technology.
AGENDA
A motion was made by Morgan, seconded by Greene to approve the agenda. All present voted in favor; motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
A motion was made by Krogh, seconded by Greiner to approve the following consent agenda items: April 24, 2023 Board of Trustees meeting minutes, June 21, 2023 Medical Executive Committee meeting minutes, April and May payables and financials. Total payables for April were $2,975,308.30 and total payables for May were $2,598,645.86. All present voted in favor; motion carried.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
Articles of interest included: “SD Board of Nursing Infographics; SD Center for Nursing Workforce”, SD Department of Health; “Legislative Brief 2023”, SDAHO; “Men are reluctant patients”, Managed Healthcare Executive; “Under Attack, Has ransomware become just another cost of doing business in healthcare?”, Managed Healthcare Executive; “Health systems "taking a breath" on major construction projects”, Modern Healthcare; and Becker’s Hospital Review Articles.
Discussion took place on the SD Nursing Workforce infographics with data showing more RNs are needed to meet South Dakota’s projected 12% increased employment demand. Discussion also took place on the extreme cost of cybersecurity for healthcare entities to ward off hackers and ransomware.
REPORTS
Executive Reports
CEO Report
Merkley noted, on May 11, the Public Health Emergency (PHE) ended, and all Brookings Health System facilities returned to pre-pandemic isolation practices with employees no longer required to wear masks in most instances. Members were also reminded of the Aiming to Inspire Health sporting clay tournament fundraiser and raffle set for August 10 from 3 – 8pm at the Brookings Gun Club.
CFO Report
Wagner provided information regarding the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). Several vendors have been reaching out to Brookings Health System claiming we qualify. Wagner researched eligibility to find that Brookings Health System does not qualify for the credit. Wagner also shared 2022’s cost report settlement due back from Medicare totals $10,606.
CNO Report
Hillestad shared Kaylei Ross and Elizabeth Hansen are the first two recipients of BHS’s Inspiring Health Sponsorship. The sponsorship is a loan forgiveness program over a three-year commitment period. Ross is a 2023 SDSU Nursing graduate and accepted a position as an inpatient floor nurse. Hansen is a SDSU Respiratory Care program graduate and will work as a respiratory therapist at Brookings Health. Two nursing students have also been approved to participate in Brookings Health’s Clinical Enrichment Program and will have opportunities to gain experience in the areas of Inpatient Care, Obstetrics, and Surgery.
Board Committee Reports
Administrative Committee Meeting
Board Secretary, Darnall provided a report; the Administrative Committee met on June 20, 2023. Topics of discussion included BHS’s Investment Authority, Meditech Expanse/Avera/Workday, Recruitment, City Ordinance Chapter 42, Yorkshire Medical Building, Sports Performance Center, BHS’s Strategic Plan, and COVID Precautions.
Finance Committee
Committee Chair, Anderson provided a report; the Finance Committee met on June 20, 2023. The committee reviewed and approved the payables, financials and adjustments for April and May. Total salaries and wages for April were $2,568,197 and total salaries and wages for May were $2,632,174. Other topics of discussion were Self-Pay Update, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Banking RFP Update.
Quality Committee
Committee Chair, Krogh provided a report; the Quality Committee met on June 20, 2023. Inpatient and Case Management Director, Jaclyn Rauen, presented information on a process improvement project focusing on insurance denial management stemming mostly from Medicare Advantage Plans. Other topics of discussion were CMS’ 5-Star Review and a new CMS quality measure focusing on total joint replacements and 2023 Contracted Patient Services.
OLD BUSINESS
City Ordinance – Chapter 42
Merkley noted there were no concerns or questions from City Council on the updated Ordinance. Verbiage is now more in line with how the health system and board functions.
NEW BUSINESS
Medical Staff Credentialing
A motion was made by Ellsworth, seconded by Meyer to approve all credentialing as recommended by the Medical Executive Committee. All present voted in favor; motion carried.
Brookings Health System Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026 – Quality Pillar
Hillestad presented an overview of the Quality Pillar goal which states, “Lead the industry in clinical performance and the community in overall improvement of health status”. Five (5) strategic objectives were reviewed along with corresponding key activities. An open discussion took place, and a few recommendations were suggested to maximize the plan, objectives, and activities, i.e., health equity and conducting a community health needs assessment may help in establishing any new quality related goals.
Brookings Health System Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026 – People Pillar
Merkley presented an overview of the People Pillar which states, “Be the partner of choice for employees, physicians and communities by maintaining positive and respectful relationships and being responsive to their needs”. Six (6) strategic objectives were reviewed along with corresponding key activities. An open discussion took place on the possibility of an onsite daycare to help attract future staff. It was noted, other daycare initiatives are being considered within the community. A partnership with an entity, like BEDC, is another opportunity on accessible daycare options.
Updated Quality and People Pillars will be presented for review and the remaining pillars will be covered at the August board meeting.
Upon motion by Morgan, second by Greene, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
__________________________________________
Lynn Darnall, Secretary