Voters will decide Nov. 2 whether to increase a countywide sales tax by 1⁄4 of a cent to go toward a new Allen County Hospital.
Members of the Allen County Healthcare Committee address questions about the issue.
Q: Of what kind of things must county citizens ap-pointed to serve as hospital trustees be aware?
A: The board of trustees appointed by the county commissioners was mentioned briefly in a previous discussion about returning Allen County Hospital to local control. In that article it was mentioned that the hospital board of trustees would do four primary things: 1) start the process of designing and building a new hospital, 2) notify HCA that in six months the lease with the county will be terminated, 3) prepare to take over management of the hospital by identifying who will be the new administrator and chief financial officer, and 4) work out the transition details with HCA to insure a smooth transition.
Much more is involved, though.
Everyone serving as a trustee should be prepared to take advantage of educational opportunities ar-ranged through the Kansas Hospital Association and the management company hired by the board. It is essential trustees make a commitment to learning about hospital management and the delivery of modern medical services. Trustees need to attend regular and special board of trustees meetings and be prepared to participate.
Trustees are fiduciaries and must hold themselves to the highest ethical standards when dealing with the hospital.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with a trustee doing business with the hospital, any business relationships must be disclosed.
Trustees must at all times act in the best interests of the hospital, comply with conflict of interest policy and abstain from voting when appropriate. Trustees must also maintain strict confidentiality in compliance with hospital policies and state and federal law. Trustees must ensure that the hospital has adequate procedures in place to monitor and assure the delivery of quality medical services. Trustees must periodically review the hospital bylaws and procedures and review operational reports. Monitoring the financial health of the hospital is critical. Trustees need to review and analyze annual operating and capital budgets, review and analyze financial statements, review annual audit reports and be familiar with reimbursement practices and procedures.
While the hospital’s financial health is critical to its survival, trustees should remember that this is our county hospital and provisions must be made to address the needs of our unique community, including the needs of the uninsured and underinsured.
Only two weeks remain before the election. If you would like to help our voter information effort, write to “Yes Allen County Healthcare,” at A.C.B., Inc, 16 W. Jackson, Iola, KS 66749 or contact the Thrive Allen County office at 365-8128.
