EASTERN PLUMAS HEALTH CARE BOARD OF DIRECTORS met for its regular meeting on Thursday, February 25th and began with the Oath of Office given to new Director Augustine Corcoran of Sierra Brooks.
During staff reports, CEO Doug McCoy appreciated the donation from the Auxiliary that will assist EPHC in replacing its Dexa bone density scanner, which is a critical part of radiology services. McCoy also reported for infection control and Chief of Nursing Officer as both Michelle Romero and Penny Holland were administering vaccines on this date. McCoy stated they were dispensing 240 vaccine doses that day, which should finish up the 75 + age group. He said they were starting to have a good flow of vaccines coming through and hoped to start 65+ the first week in March. McCoy reported the UK variant was up 4% and seemed to be the most prevalent one in California. CDPH is monitoring two other variants that are specific to California.
Skilled Nursing Facilities were reported on with McCoy stating an abbreviated standard SNF survey was conducted on January 29th. No deficiencies were identified. He said CMS/CDPH continue to hold all annual surveys due to COVID restrictions. Telemed units were installed at both SNF campuses for behavioral health therapy as well as patient/visitor interaction. McCoy reported they are reestablishing visitation guidelines since the County is in the Red tier, adding it should be a true benefit for families who have been sequestered for a long time. He talked about a marketing initiative for a respite program, which is designed for a 7-14 day stay for people caring for loved ones at home that may need a break. McCoy stated the services would allow patients to get used to SNF, and if the need arises for full-time care, families will be comfortable in using EPHC. Director Theresa Whitfield felt it was a nice bridge.
Financial report was by CFO, Katherine Pairish, who stated the Total Patient Revenue for the month of January was under budget by $360,276. Total Operating Expenses for the month of January were over budget by $23,452. Year-to-date Net Loss was $496,681. She said EPHC budgeted for a Net Loss of $2,108,153. The Public Hospital Redesign and Incentives in Medi-Cal (PRIME) IGT came back $1,262,250 greater than what was budgeted and Contractual Adjustments were less than budget by $523,245. Both of these had a positive impact on the bottom line for the seven months ended January 31, 2021.
Pairish stated EPHC’s cash position is good. Days cash on hand at January 31, 2021 was 257. Without the Medicare Advance, HHS Stimulus and PPP funds, days cash on hand would be 111. On January 31, 2020 days cash on hand was 63. She concluded by reporting they would continue to work on the strategic/operating plan to determine the return on investment for some of the larger projects such as a new Rehab building, EPHC-owned MRI and Loyalton clinic relocation.
McCoy reported a change in Clinic leadership with Rhonda Grandi retiring after five years of service to EPHC. He said Rhonda has made significant operational and financial improvements to the clinics over her tenure and appreciated her dedicated service to the organization. In the interim McCoy will be overseeing clinic operations and working directly with Dr. Stoll and Christina Potter until a new director has been hired.
During staff reports, CEO Doug McCoy appreciated the donation from the Auxiliary that will assist EPHC in replacing its Dexa bone density scanner, which is a critical part of radiology services. McCoy also reported for infection control and Chief of Nursing Officer as both Michelle Romero and Penny Holland were administering vaccines on this date. McCoy stated they were dispensing 240 vaccine doses that day, which should finish up the 75 + age group. He said they were starting to have a good flow of vaccines coming through and hoped to start 65+ the first week in March. McCoy reported the UK variant was up 4% and seemed to be the most prevalent one in California. CDPH is monitoring two other variants that are specific to California.
Skilled Nursing Facilities were reported on with McCoy stating an abbreviated standard SNF survey was conducted on January 29th. No deficiencies were identified. He said CMS/CDPH continue to hold all annual surveys due to COVID restrictions. Telemed units were installed at both SNF campuses for behavioral health therapy as well as patient/visitor interaction. McCoy reported they are reestablishing visitation guidelines since the County is in the Red tier, adding it should be a true benefit for families who have been sequestered for a long time. He talked about a marketing initiative for a respite program, which is designed for a 7-14 day stay for people caring for loved ones at home that may need a break. McCoy stated the services would allow patients to get used to SNF, and if the need arises for full-time care, families will be comfortable in using EPHC. Director Theresa Whitfield felt it was a nice bridge.
Financial report was by CFO, Katherine Pairish, who stated the Total Patient Revenue for the month of January was under budget by $360,276. Total Operating Expenses for the month of January were over budget by $23,452. Year-to-date Net Loss was $496,681. She said EPHC budgeted for a Net Loss of $2,108,153. The Public Hospital Redesign and Incentives in Medi-Cal (PRIME) IGT came back $1,262,250 greater than what was budgeted and Contractual Adjustments were less than budget by $523,245. Both of these had a positive impact on the bottom line for the seven months ended January 31, 2021.
Pairish stated EPHC’s cash position is good. Days cash on hand at January 31, 2021 was 257. Without the Medicare Advance, HHS Stimulus and PPP funds, days cash on hand would be 111. On January 31, 2020 days cash on hand was 63. She concluded by reporting they would continue to work on the strategic/operating plan to determine the return on investment for some of the larger projects such as a new Rehab building, EPHC-owned MRI and Loyalton clinic relocation.
McCoy reported a change in Clinic leadership with Rhonda Grandi retiring after five years of service to EPHC. He said Rhonda has made significant operational and financial improvements to the clinics over her tenure and appreciated her dedicated service to the organization. In the interim McCoy will be overseeing clinic operations and working directly with Dr. Stoll and Christina Potter until a new director has been hired.