Kittitas County Public Hospital District 1

The board meeting addressed several key items, including the approval of the agenda, which was amended to include a review of board policies. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation regarding the phased implementation of a nuclear medicine imaging program utilizing a mobile unit in partnership with Heritage Imaging. This initiative aims to enhance community access to cardiac and radiology nuclear studies, addressing a current service desert. Financial discussions indicated that the program is expected to be financially sustainable shortly after startup, with the main upfront cost being associated with the 4DM software license for cardiologists. The board authorized the administration to negotiate and enter into a contract for this service. Additionally, the Information Services department provided a spotlight presentation detailing its structure, focus on process orientation, and collaboration efforts with other regional hospitals.

The meeting commenced with a roll call followed by the approval of the agenda, which included an amendment to the finance section to add a capital request. A significant portion of the meeting involved a presentation providing an annual report and detailed overview of the Rural Collaborative organization, covering its history, unique strengths, membership structure (21 members serving approximately 485,000 people), committee structure, and future initiatives such as establishing a for-profit enterprise arm and focusing on value-based purchasing arrangements through an ACO. The presentation detailed how the collaborative facilitates purchasing, advocacy, and candid peer learning among rural public hospital districts, noting specific statistics from 2020 including outpatient visits and telemedicine utilization. Subsequent discussion involved reports on quality council metrics and the CMS survey plan of correction.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the last board meeting. The main segment featured a presentation on the breastfeeding program for Kvh, detailing public health benefits, national targets for breastfeeding rates, and current organizational performance, noting achievement above national averages. Discussion covered disparities in breastfeeding rates among different demographic groups and efforts to achieve Baby Friendly Hospital designation, including staff training via the Empower Training Initiative and community outreach through the Kids on County Property Coalition. Discussions also touched upon internal quality improvement reports, specifically concerning instrument sterilization practices and related safety findings from a recent hospital license survey conducted by the Department of Health, which resulted in 21 minor findings.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and the consent agenda. Key discussions involved reports and dashboards, particularly the Quality Improvement (QI) Officer's report, which included updates on respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV, and a discussion regarding a rare root cause analysis for a staff injury. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the review and approval of the 2025 QI Plans and the 2025 QI Measures, following extensive review by senior leadership and the QI Council. The Chief Executive Officer reported on staff introductions, including the new Chief Nursing Officer, and provided an update on the ongoing search for the Chief Financial Officer. The CEO also provided an update on the stabilized saline supply situation, noting successful conservation efforts that avoided procedure cancellations. Additionally, the CEO reported a handshake agreement had been reached with Teamsters, pending drafting and ratification. A request was made for a future presentation to the board regarding running a levy by an expert from the Washington State Health Association.

Discussions included remarks regarding a departing member of the KDH family, with an event scheduled for January 31st. The board approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the December meeting and a finance committee report. The CFO presented budget information, noting that key areas of focus were expanding access to care and optimizing the use of the server system, based on nine months of actual data. Discussions also covered a 3% increase in charges implemented on January 1st, driven by contractual limits and reimbursement factors, particularly for Medicare and Medicaid. Expense reports showed relatively flat procurement and supply expenses due to joining a purchasing group, while purchased services, specifically revenue cycle expenses, were noted as a concern requiring reduction in some areas and increases in others, such as for the welcome equality line and MD AG implementation. FTE analysis showed increases in staff across the hospital and clinics from 2016 to 2018, primarily to support access goals. Revenue growth was detailed, with contributions from new business lines like Pediatrics and Internal Medicine. A review of quality and safety included discussion of a case that required coordination with the Emergency Department and Public Health Department, leading to a review of procedures. Capital planning involved preliminary operational estimates for build-outs and elevator removal. Accreditation status was reviewed, noting the positive indicator of quality measurement it provides.