Steven Baker

The board meeting includes discussions on quality improvement, risk management, compliance, and labor negotiations. Key agenda items cover the introduction of a new compliance officer, 3rd party payer negotiations, and a performance evaluation for the CEO. The meeting will also feature reports from the Foundation and Auxiliary, as well as presentations on various organizational reports including human resources, plant and maintenance, and infection control. Additionally, the board will consider the renewal of physician agreements for the Medical Stabilization Unit and Community Care/Outreach medical directors and review several executive, financial, and operational reports.

The board discussed and approved several emergency and administrative resolutions. These included the approval of Resolution 26-483 for radiology rooms, Resolution 26-484 for a backup generator replacement with a cost authorization of up to $1,000,000, and Resolution 26-485 regarding the MRI rebidding process.

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.