Leon Bridge

The board discussed several operational and administrative updates, including the recruitment of a new Chief Financial Officer, reports on hospital quality, risk management, compliance, nursing services, and ancillary services. Key financial highlights included strong operating performance, the anticipated receipt of Employee Retention Tax Credit funds, and an update on Medicare payment software issues. The board also reviewed progress on the 2026-2027 budget, discussed the facility change request for the new DEXA machine, and approved updates to the Organizational Chart and Dress Code policies.

The board meeting covered several key operational and administrative topics, including updates on hospital quality, risk management, compliance, nursing services, ancillary services, human resources, and financial performance. The board approved the Quality Steering Committee Charter, adopted a new resolution regarding trail use immunity to limit liability, and established a new policy for the acceptable use of artificial intelligence within the district. Additionally, the administrator provided updates on recruitment efforts, upcoming surgical service expansion, and service line growth plans.

The board reviewed various operational reports including updates on infection control, nursing services, compliance, human resources, and financial performance. Key new business included the approval of capital requests for new hot water tanks and architectural fees for the MRI building project. Additionally, the board adopted new policies regarding staff competency training and professional practice evaluation forms. Administrative discussions covered potential expansions into cataract surgery, staffing updates for medical personnel, facility space planning, and the future of the nuclear medicine program.

The meeting commenced with introductions, followed by a Visitor's Agenda where no visitors were present. The Consent Agenda was approved, covering the current agenda, previous meeting minutes from December 10, 2025, and January 20, 2026, a resolution for February 2026 expenditures, and various committee minutes. Key reports presented included Quality/Risk, Compliance, Nursing Services, Medical Staff (noting training attendance), Public Relations/Foundation, Human Resources (mentioning a future General Surgeon site visit), Ancillary Services, and Finance/Financials (noting pending Employee Retention Tax Credit payment). New business focused on capital requests, specifically approving $121,245.00 for new hot water tanks and $58,000.00 for MRI building architect fees. Two policies were approved: the new Policy ADMB_0300 (Competency and Training Requirements) and the revision of Policy ADMB_1010 (Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation Forms). The session concluded with a transition into an Executive Session.

The meeting included the approval of the current agenda, committee minutes, and a resolution to set aside funds for January 2026 expenditures. Reports covered Quality/Risk, Compliance, Nursing Services, Medical Staff activities, Public Relations/Foundation, Human Resources (including recruitment updates), Ancillary Services (discussing a desired second chemistry analyzer and progress on the blood culture service line), and Finance (addressing surgery deficits, operating expense corrections, and cash balances). Key new business items included the approval of capital requests for a new Ring Central phone system ($25,000) and pain management equipment ($37,463). The Board also approved the Utilization Review Plan (ADM_2100), the Quality Assurance Process Improvement (QAPI) Plan, and the Critical Access Hospital Annual Review for 2024-2025. Following an executive session to discuss potential employment matters and a real estate listing extension, the meeting was adjourned.