A decision on the future management of Allen County Regional Hospital still could come by the end of the year, despite a lengthy debate about whether its appropriate to make such a critical decision during a time of transition.
The terms of two of the hospitals trustees will end Dec. 31, around the same time the board set a self-imposed deadline to decide whether to stick with its management provider, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) or switch to a different company.
The two outgoing trustees, Patti Boyd and Sean McReynolds, argued their experience and understanding of the hospitals history both were on the board when it negotiated an original management contract with HCA helps the board work through the complicated process of soliciting and reviewing proposals. Others argued that incoming board members will bear the weight of any decision, so they deserve a chance to weigh in.
At the end of a meeting Wednesday afternoon, the board decided to continue with the process in hopes of coming to an agreement by the end of the year. At the same time, theyll include advice from new trustees and stay open to the possibility of taking more time, if needed.
It could take several months to make a decision, cautioned Alan Weber, county counselor who also advises the trustees.
The hospitals contract with HCA doesnt expire until June 2020, but the task force wanted to allow at least a year for a transition if they decide to switch providers.
Trustee Terry Sparks reminded McReynolds and Boyd they had promised to serve in more of an advisory capacity, but would step back as new members got up to speed. He also expressed skepticism the board would be able to review proposals, hear presentations and make a decision by Dec. 31.
McReynolds said he was concerned a delay would lead to uncertainty and insecurity for hospital staff and taxpayers.
Weve come a long way from the old building to a new building and weve had some growing pains along the way, but its time to get our feet back under us and get this question mark out of everyones mind, he said.
Trustee Loren Korte said he hoped McReynolds and Boyd would continue to offer advice to the board even after Dec. 31, assuming a final decision was not made at that point. He also wanted new trustees involved as soon as possible. County commissioners this week appointed Mona Hull to one of the positions; she attended Wednesdays meeting.
WEBER presented the board with four proposals, including management proposals from HCA, Great Plains Health Alliance and Quorum Health Resources.
Saint Lukes Health System, which gave a presentation to the board in October, submitted a proposal to lease the hospital even though board members have said theyre not interested in returning to a lease arrangement. While the board is still focused on management arrangements, it could decide to return to a lease arrangement as a better option and could then extend the process.
The next step is to arrange presentations from the three management companies.
Its possible at the presentations, someone may stand out. But when I read these, Im not sure where were going to end up, Weber said. Its more likely well say, Lets talk to someone and see where we can go from here. I dont think youll be in a position to just award the contract.
The proposals were not released to the public because they contain proprietary financial information. Weber said it will take a couple of weeks to summarize the proposals.
