Susan Barr/Kern Valley Sun

Election of officers, new services and some positive news, at least temporarily, regarding proposed state reductions in Medicaid reimbursements were main topics of discussion at the Jan. 4 Kern Valley Healthcare District board of trustees meeting.

Despite clouds of financial uncertainty looming on the horizon, KVHD trustees and administrators appear to be focusing on the future.

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District Chief Executive Officer Tim McGlew said, “The state was dealt a little bit of a blow by the judge with regards to the Medicaid rate reduction. We received the temporary injunction that we were seeking. It basically halted the implementation of those reductions.”

According to McGlew, in her 37-page, highly-detailed ruling, the judge explained why she believed there was just cause to prevent the rate changes from going through. On its web site, the Association of California Healthcare Districts commented that the judge reasoned that state and federal officials had likely relied on unrealistic projections and had underestimated how such cuts would affect patients.

McGlew further stated, “The issue of concern for us right now is that the state, which was not unexpected, with a ruling against them, their move is to now appeal that ruling on the temporary injunction. They have indicated that they intend to seek a stay of that judge’s ruling which would technically allow them to implement those reductions.”

Nothing has been filed as of yet by the state. McGlew stated that ACHD will move ahead and file for a permanent injunction.

When it was time for the annual election of officers, trustee Kay Knight stated, “We have a lot going on right now and I believe that it would be wise to maintain the status quo.” The board unanimously agreed to reelect the existing slate of officers. The board of Victoria Alwin, Chair, Kay Knight, First Vice Chair, Robert Gross, D.O., Second Vice Chair, Bob Jamison, Secretary and David Derr, Treasurer will continue for another year.

Chief Nursing Officer Mark Gordon commented a major focus in the next few months will be on the district’s transition to electronic health records. Regarding staff’s training for the transition, Gordon said, “There will be frustration, there will be anxiety. There will be some challenges.” He added, “After we get over that hill, the jist of it will be a safer more productive Kern Valley Healthcare District.”

Gordon also updated the board on the district’s ongoing efforts to open its Intensive Care Unit /Progressive Care Unit stating, “Hopefully we will have PCU capability by Feb. 1.” He added that nurses who currently work in Ridgecrest have already expressed interest in coming to work in the unit when it opens.

The CNO stated that he is working towards making the community more aware of pulmonary care services available at the district for in-patients and out-patients. Gordon said that he would like to see treadmill stress tests available to the public once again.

For more information about proposed reimbursement reductions and the action being taken by the ACHD, visit the association’s website at http://www.achd.org.

The next regular KVHD board of trustees meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the hospital cafeteria on Wednesday, Feb. 1. As always, the public is welcome to attend.