Bear Valley Community Healthcare District

The board convened to conduct interviews and discuss candidates for an open position on the Board of Directors. Following a period of review and deliberation regarding the applicants, the board held a vote and unanimously appointed Amber Gonzalez to fill the vacancy.

The Board of Directors meeting agenda encompasses several key items, including a closed session focused on quality improvement, risk and compliance reports, a strategic plan update, and a CEO performance evaluation. The open session will address reports from the Foundation and Auxiliary, and include the review of human resources, plant and maintenance, and infection control reports. Furthermore, the Board will consider the approval of the SCA Consulting Amendment, review the Ovation report, and accept reports from the CEO, Chief Financial Officer regarding audited 2025 financials, and the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Nursing Officer.

The meeting included a Closed Session where initial appointments and re-appointments to medical staff were reviewed, along with several resignations. In Open Session, the Board adopted the agenda and reported the results of the Closed Session actions. Discussions and approvals included the Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) Service Agreement for project management related to the District seismic upgrade. Furthermore, Board Members Baker and Clarke volunteered to represent the District on the City of Big Bear Lake General Plan Committee, and this appointment was approved. Executive reports covered the Ovation Report, the CEO Report (including updates on Interventional Strategies, MRI status, and AI utilization in scope imaging), and the November 2025 Finance Report which detailed significant monthly losses and budget variances. The COO/CNO Report highlighted preparations for the accreditation survey and the achievement of gold status for Stroke Data from the AHA.

The meeting included an Open Session followed by a Closed Session, with reconvening to Open Session later. Key actions included the approval of the meeting agenda and confirmation of actions taken in Closed Session, specifically the initial appointment of three physicians (Woodard, Dawson, Horn) and the re-appointment of one physician (Yomtoob). The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included minutes from a previous meeting and various departmental reports. New business involved the discussion and approval of several service agreements, including those for Teleconnect Therapies Clinic, MC Analytics software, and the Medical Director of Surgery. The Board also approved a Letter of Support for the BVES Solar & Storage project, authorized the Authority to Risk and Grievance Committee, conducted Board Officer elections (resulting in a new President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, and Treasurer), and finalized committee assignments. Additionally, the Board approved a 5% increase to the Board of Directors Board Stipend, effective January 01, 2026. Executive reports covered updates on Ovation services, CEO activities such as the MRI RFP and planning for an AI pilot program, the October 2025 Finance Report detailing cash on hand and operating loss, and the COO/CNO Report addressing staffing issues and facility updates.

The meeting agenda included both Closed Session and Open Session items. The Closed Session covered reports from the Chief of Staff/Quality Improvement, Quality/Risk/Compliance reports, real property negotiations, and the CEO evaluation. The Open Session included a public forum, director comments, information reports from the Foundation and Auxiliary, a Consent Agenda covering various reports and committee minutes from December 2025, and New Business concerning the discussion and potential approval of service agreements, including one with Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), and discussion regarding City of Big Bear Lake General Plan Committee Advisors. Executive reports covered monthly activities and financial updates.