July 3rd, 2007-BOD Agenda Packet

~.
I PALO VERDE HOSPITAL
B:inging Health eY Care Togethe y
Special Governing Board Meeting
Of
Palo Verde Health Care District
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
5 :30 p.lTI.
Palo Verde Hospital
Conference Room.
250 N. First St.
Blythe, CA 92225
PALO VERDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Palo Verde Hospital
Conference Room
250 N. First St.
Blythe, CA 92225
July 3, 2007
5:30 PM
AGENDA
1.
Call to Order
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
3.
Roll Call- Derek Copple, President
Carmela Garnica, Vice President
Mark Bolliger, Secretaryffreasurer
Steve Montgomery,D.V.M.
4.
Approval of Agenda
5.
Public Comment
Opportunity for citizens to speak on items of interest within subject matter
jurisdiction of the District. For the record, please state your name. The Board
has a policy limiting any speaker to not more than three minutes.
6.
Consent Action Items
Consent Action Items are normally acted upon by a single vote encompassing
all items within this section. Since the public may directly address the Board
before action on any item, a member of the public may, upon request, speak to
the item(s) before the vote is taken.
A. Minutes of Regular Board Meeting of May 31,2007
B. Minutes of Special Board Meeting of June 14, 2007
C. Nursing Policy
1. Approval of Personnel liOn-Cali" Policy
7.
Action Items
Consideration of Approval or Ratification of the Following:
A. Interview of applicants to serve on the Board of Directors
B. Board Discussion and nomination of candidate
August 24, 2006
continued
AGENDA
C. Consideration of Resolution appointing member to the Board to
Serve until the next General election on November 7, 2008.
8.
th
Adjournment (Next scheduled regular meeting: July 26 , 5:30 p.m.
at the Palo Verde Hospital Conference Room, 250 North First St.,
Blythe. CA.
2
PALO VERDE HOSPITAL
PALO VERDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT
SPECIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING MINUTES
May 31, 2007
5:30 p.m.
BIIythe Commumty
. C enter
Directors Present
Administrative Staff Present
Derek Copple, President
Mr. Jeff Flood, CEO
Carmela Garnica, Vice President
Mr. Richard Fallon, COO
Mark Bolliger, Secretaryrrreasurer
Ms. Lilly Lopez, Assistant Administrator
Mr. Lee Holter, CFO
Mr. Oscar Garcia, CNO
Mr. Jeff Scott, General Counsel
TOPIC
1. Call To Order:
2. Flag Salute:
3. Roll Call:
4. Approval of Agenda:
5. Public Comment:
DISCUSSION
Board President Derek Copple called the
meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board
President Copple.
Board President Copple conducted roll call.
Board President Copple noted that Director
Montgomery was not present.
Board President Copple called for approval of
the May 31, 2007 Agenda.
ACTION
Motion was made by
Director Bolliger, seconded
by Director Garnica and
unanimously carried to
approve the May 31st
Agenda as presented.
President Copple called for Public Comment.
Ms. Eugenia Webber questioned the roles and
scope of authority of the three entities
involved in administration of the hospital; the
Board of Directors, Administration and the
Medical Staff.
Mr. Jeff Flood, CEO stated that the governing
Board grants the medical staff authority to
oversee privileging and credentialing of
physicians and they then make
recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Ms. Webber questioned if the Board had the
final say and if they are able to override the
medical staff in regards to credentialing.
1
Mr. Jeff Scott, General Counsel indicated that
under the law, the hospital is required to have
an independent self-governing medical staff.
He also stated that it was possible in certain
limited circumstances to override the medical
staff.
Ms. Sandi Blessing stated that in the last three
weeks the Blue Ribbon Committee had
disappeared, census at the hospital had
decreased considerably and the hospital is on
surgical diversion. Ms. Blessing stated that
not only is the community not being served
but the Nursing Care center brings in $1.4
million to the community yearly in payroll
and without a higher census we will be unable
to continue to operate.
Ms. Geralyn Quigley, RN stated that in the
past she was told to address the chain of
command at the hospital and her attempts
were not received well. She stated that her
focus has been on safety and quality of care
and not attending meetings and feels that she
has not been supported by the nursing
administration.
Ms. Liana Sain stated that she was concerned
about what is happening at the hospital and
would like to point out that in the past and
now there is only one common denominator
for the problems that have occurred.
Ms. Edna Gillis stated that she has been a
resident of Blythe for two years and before
relocating toured the hospital and found it to
be a well run hospital. Ms. Gillis indicated
that now she would be hesitant to use the
facilities and that the current problems need to
be solved.
Ms. Rosie Carlton noted that she has several
relatives who have had had experiences with
the hospital in the past few years and has
found the care to be excellent and she has no
problem with paying the doctors the on-call
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wages as long as the quality of care continues.
She also stated that she is concerned by the
recent controversy and hopes that the
problems can be resolved so that care can
continue.
Dr. Sahlolbei stated that the community does
not understand the current issues as they are
confidential and can't be discussed. He stated
that doctors work for perfection and nurses
can cause deaths and the nurses at the hospital
are "not up to par". He stated that he has
approached the Board and Administration
many times about problems with the nursing
staff and management but the issues have not
been resolved.
Ms. Mille Rodriguez stated that she was a
hospital Board member in the past and at that
time the same conflict was going on. She
noted that it is imperative that the hospital
stay open because the patient's must come
first.
Ms. Glenna Peoples RN stated that she has
concerns that nursing home patients will be
shipped out and die alone without family
members and not in their own community.
Ms. Peoples noted that she is begging the
doctors to come back to work and stated that
boycotting the hospital was not the answer.
Dr. Lucero stated that the doctors are not
boycotting the hospital. He indicated that it is
not unusual for the census to be this low in
the summertime. Dr. Lucero also stated that
the Board is aware of the contract issues and
should sign a contract for long-tenn surgeon
coverage with Dr. Shalolbei. He stated that
the Board should give administration a time
limit to fix the current problems.
Mr. Randy Weise stated that from the outside
looking in, it seems that the hospital is always
in tunnoil and that the only constant is the
medical staff. Mr. Weise also questioned that
3
if Dr. Sahlolbei's concern is really poor
nursing how can a signed contract fix poor
nursing.
Ms. Sue Valenzuela indicated that another
purpose of the hospital is to support nursing
education at the college and that the low
census can cause a ripple effect.
Mr. Quenton Hansen stated that there has
been turmoil at the hospital for over 25 years
and that it can't continue. He also stated that
a tax measure will not pass if the public does
not have confidence in the hospital. Mr.
Hanson noted that development of the City
depends on medical care and that the Board
needs to take action.
Ms. Katie Warren stated that she has been a
resident of Blythe since 1974 and is currently
an employee of Blythe Nursing Care. Ms.
Warren states that many residents can't travel
because of financial reasons and retirees
won't stay in the valley without a hospital.
Ms. Cheryl Bruno-Mofu RN stated that she
very much resented the comments made by
Dr. Shalolbei that nurses at the hospital are
incompetent. She stated that she has trained
many of the current nurses and they are very
competent. She also stated that the nurses are
starting to "lose heart" and feels that the
nurses are being used as an excuse for other
agendas. She indicated that during the last 18
months the quality of care has improved and
that it is unfair to label the nurses as
incompetent.
Ms. Geral yn Quigley RN stated that safety
not competency is the issue and that doctors
see safety issues in different departments of
the hospital as they are doing rounds.
Ms. Peggy Abbs stated that she has been a
hospital employee for over 34 years and noted
that there was almost a closure in 1972 and
4
that the one constant has been the medical
staff. She stated that in the past there have
been many safety issues and that currently
safety issues are being addressed and much
needed equipment is being purchased. She
stated that she is very happy with how the
hospital is being managed.
Mr. Gerry Wolford stated that there was a
hospital closure in the past and all patients
had to go to Wickenburg.
Board President Copple called for closure of
Public Comment.
6. Consent Action Items:
7. ReportslPossible Action
Items:
Consent Action Items presented are: 1.A.
Minutes of regular Board Meeting of April
26, 2007 B. Minutes of Special Board
Meeting of May 9, 2007 C. Resignation of
Director Rodriguez and D. Posting of Board
Vacancy.
Mr. Richard Fallon, COO stated that
administration and hospital staff are preparing
for the operational and capital budget. Mr.
Fallon requested that the Board schedule a
study session. Mr. Fallon suggested June 21 st •
Motion was made by
Director Bolliger, seconded
by Director Garnica and
unanimously carried to
approve Consent Action
Items.
Director Garnica states that she will not be
available on that date.
President Copple suggested June 19th and
states that he will confer with Director
Montgomery to see if that is a good time for
him.
Mr. Oscar Garcia, CNO reported that when he
first came to PVH there were many policies
and procedures that did not exist or that
needed revamping. He stated that at the
current time policies and procedures are all in
place. Mr. Garcia also stated that staff
training and education is continuing, a
Nursing Skills Fair has been held and he
hopes to have another session in July. Mr.
Garcia noted that he has been in nursing for
11 years and feels that there are no
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incompetent nurses at Palo Verde Hospital
and feels that the issues the medical staff have
are not with the nursing staff but with the
CNO. He wishes that the Medical Staff
would be honest and present their issues to
him and not use the nurses as scapegoats.
Ms. Liana Sain asked if Mr. Garcia was an
employee of AHM and stated that skill fairs
are a requirement of JCAHO.
Mr. Garcia indicated that he was not an
employee of AHM and that the skills fair is a
requirement of JCAHO but the nurse
managers organize and present it.
Dr. Sahlolbei stated that the physicians
originally supported Mr. Garcia but
discovered he was not doing a good job,
which they reported to administration 6
months ago and nothing was fixed. Dr.
Sahlolbei also notes that the agenda does not
include a MEC report
Mr. Jeff Flood indicated that there was no
MEC report submitted, at which point Dr.
Sahlolbei became very confrontational.
Mr. Jeff Scott, General Counsel asked the
President for a point of order as Dr. Sahlolbei
was becoming disruptive and interfering with
the meeting.
Ms. Lilly Lopez reported on Human
Resource activities and presented three
policies for consideration and approval. #49
Bereavement, #19 Paid Time off and #27 On­
Call/Call Back.
Director Bolliged questioned the on call roster
and how rotation is set up.
Ms. Lopez noted that rotation was determined
for after-hours care.
Board President Copple calld for Public
6
Comment.
Ms. Robin Meyers questioned if the PTO cash
item on D was being deleted.
Ms. Lilly Lopez explained that the writing in
red meant it was an addition.
Also included is a letter from Dr. Rodriguez
resigning from the Board of Directors and a
posting of Board Vacancy.
Board President Copple calls for approval of
HR Policies, Dr. Rodriguez resignation and
posting of Board Vacancy.
It was moved by Director
Bolliger seconded by
Director Garnica and
unanimously carried to
approve the HR policies as
presented and to accept the
resignation of Dr. Rodriguez
and post the notice of
vacancy.
Mr. Lee Holter, CFO presented the April
financials. Mr. Holter stated that cash was
good and that PVH has been underpaid by
Medi-Call for 12 months and was expected to
receive approximately $800,000 due to the
underpayment at a later date. Mr. Holter also
noted that the Balance Sheet shows an
increase in net account receivables and total
assets of $9,000,000.
Mr. Fallon, stated that the hospital would like
for Dr. Sahlolbei to return to the surgery
schedule. He noted that the hospital has
shown that it can make money and ARM has
fulfilled what they had promised to do.
Board President Copple questioned how much
of hospital staff is contract labor?
Mr. Holter, CFO answered that there are
nurses in the OB Department and some
contract labor in Radiology.
Director Bolliger asked how often inventories
are completed.
Mr. Holter responded that they are completed
once yearly hospital wide and monthly in
each department.
7
Director Bolliger questioned what percentage
of staff are hospital employees compared to a
year and a half ago.
Mr. Jeff Flood, CEO answered that
approximately 90% are hospital employees
and that last year most of the nursing staff
was made up of travelers.
Director Bolliger pointed out that there were
only 3 AHM staff members, Mr. Flood, Mr.
Fallon and Ms. Lopez.
Board President Copple called for Public
Comment.
Dr. Sahlolbei stated that the doctors do not
want to close the hospital but that AHM is
only concerned with revenues and the doctors
are concerned with quality care. He stated
that the doctors only want good nurses and
demanded that administration give the doctors
the tools they need so that they won't
jeopardize patients.
Mr. Bret Miller stated that as of yesterday
there is no longer any contract labor in
Radiology.
Mr. Randy Weise questioned why income is
based on projected collections.
Mr. Lee Holter, CFO stated that hospital
accounting is different from other businesses
and because there are two Government payors
an Audit Cost Report is needed to determine
exact figures.
8. Board Comments:
Director Garnica stated that the Board will be
taking all opinions into account in making
their decisions.
Director Bolliger thanked everyone for
coming and reassured everyone that the Board
is working hard to resolve the issues
addressed by the public. He also stated that in
the last year and a half the hospital has
8
improved by improved hospital conditions,
community employment, improved medical
equipment and air conditioning repairs.
9. Adjournment:
10. Reconvene/Report After
Closed Session:
President Copple stated that being on the
Board is a tough job but Board members do it
for the community and he indicated that the
hospital is moving forward with running the
hospital and is working on issues.
The Board convened to Closed Session,
pursuant to Government Code Section 54957
regarding personnel issues.
After the Closed Session the Board
reconvened to open session. The next
Regular Board Meeting is scheduled for June
28,2007.
Board President Copple
stated that no action was
taken in Closed Session. On
motion duly made and
seconded the meeting was
adjourned.
Mark Bolliger
Board Secretaryrrreasurer
9
PALO VERDE HOSPITAL
PALO VERDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT
SPECIAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING MINUTES
June 14, 2007
5:30 p.m.
BIIylth e CommuDlty
·t Cen t er
Directors Present
Administrative Staff Present
Derek Copple, President
Mr. Jeff Flood, CEO
Carmela Garnica, Vice President
Mr. Richard Fallon, COO
Mark Bolliger, Secretary/Treasurer
Ms. Lilly Lopez, Assistant Administrator
Steve Montgomer, Director
Mr. Lee Holter, CFO
Mr. Jeff Scott, General Counsel
TOPIC
1. Call To Order:
2. Flag Salute:
3. Roll Call:
4. Approval of Agenda:
DISCUSSION
Board President Derek Copple called the
meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Board
President Copple.
Board President Copple conducted roll call.
Board President Copple called for approval of
the June 14,2007 Agenda.
5. Public Comment:
Board President Copple called for Public
Comment.
6. Reports/Possible Action
Items:
Mr. Richard Fallon, COO introduced two Oncall Surgical Coverage Agreements with Dr.
Salehi and Dr. Farsad for ratification; The
contracts are for a one-year term at $2,000 per
day and have a 90 day cancellation policy.
Mr. Fallon indicated that each of the doctors
will work when available and the Doctors will
receive payment only for the days worked.
ACTION
All members are present.
Motion was made by
Director Montgomery
seconded by Director
Garnica and unanimously
carried to approve the agenda
as presented.
There was no Public
Comment.
Board President Copple asked for Public
Comment.
Dr. Barth questioned if the contract is for a
flat rate reimbursement and if the hospital is
able to bill for service and keep the revenue.
Mr. Fallon indicated that the hospital will
1
keep any revenues earned by the
doctors.
Director Montgomery noted that Section 8 in
the Medical Staff Bylaws states that the
hospital has the right to bill and collect
revenue.
Suzanne Holsomback, RN asked if the 1 year
contract will keep the hospital open.
Mr. Richard Fallon indicated that surgical
coverage is currently only secured thru the
24th of June.
Ms. Barbara Lindsey questioned if the
contract is for one year then why is coverage
only until the 24 th •
Mr. Fallon explained that the contract is valid
for one year but the doctors are only required
to work when available.
Mr. Chuck Grotke asked if the contracts were
just to buy time for coverage to avoid closure.
Board President Copple explained that
surgical services cannot stay open if there is
no surgeon coverage. DHS will inform the
hospital if and when we need to close because
of being non-compliant.
Dr. Lucero questioned that if staying open
depends on keeping a surgeon then why
hasn't a contract been been signed with Dr.
Sahlolbei. Dr. Lucero stated that there is a
real issue that ARM is not addressing and that
it is not unusual to not have surgical coverage.
Ms. Liana Sain noted that Dr. Lucero's
comments are an example of why contracts
are needed and that the final responsibility
falls with the Board to provide coverage.
Dr. Brooks stated that he has had the privilege
of working with Dr. Salehi and Dr. Farsad
2
Board President Copple closed public
comment on the item.
Director Montgomery questioned who
decides the on-call coverage schedule.
Mr. Jeff Flood, CEO answered that the
Medical Staff along with the CEO decides the
schedule.
Director Montgomery stated that he is
confused because Dr. Lucero stated that in the
past there often was no on-call coverage for
surgery.
Mr. Flood noted that the hospital's licensure
thru DHS requires that the hospital provide a
continuum of coverage and also requires that
DHS is notified when the hospital does not
have the appropriate coverage. At that point
the hospital is on diversion. Mr. Flood also
stated that there is no definite time limit for
how long the hospital can be on diversion but
that DHS and CMS are both extremely
concerned over the length of time that the
hospital has been on diversion.
Director Bolliger stated that at the last
community meeting, Administration noted
that they did have two surgeons waiting to be
credentialed and questioned the status of their
applications.
Mr. Flood answered that several locum tenens
physician have inquired about providing
coverage, but according to the medical staff
by-laws, locum tenens physicians can't
provide coverage for a service but only for a
specific surgeon.
Board President Copple called for a motion.
Mr. Fallon stated that Dr. Sahlolbei
It was moved by Director
Montgomery, seconded by
Director Garnica and
unanimously carried to ratify
and approve the on-call
contracts for Dr. Farsad and
Dr.Salehi.
3
terminated his contract with the hospital. He
indicated that there were several directions
that management can take to provide surgical
coverage. An agency recruiter can be hired to
find a surgeon, which can be very expensive.
Mr. Fallon stated that he understood that
Board wants a second surgeon and that the
medical staff only wants one surgeon as they
feel the community can't support two. It is
possible to contract with Dr. Sahlolbei and he
would find a second surgeon, but because of
Dr. Sahlolbei's recent boycott, management is
afraid that he may do this again. At the
current time Dr. Sahlolbei and Management's
attorneys are in discussion but Dr. Sahlolbei
can't be contacted and the terms that he
would agree to are not known. Mr. Fallon
also stated that the hospital cannot afford a
surgery department if revenues are not
sufficient. Currently the surgery department's
revenues are $155,000 per month while the
operation costs are $335,000 per month for
DB and Surgery. At the current time the
hospital could close and have 1.1million in
assets but if the current situation continues
that will be lost. Mr. Fallon requested
direction from the Board in regards to closing
the surgery department if necessary.
Director Garnica stated that she was in favor
of searching for another surgeon as she feels
that Dr. Sahlolbei has a monopoly and that is
not a good thing. She also indicated that the
community could support a second surgeon
and competition is a good thing.
Board President Copple asked if the hospital
had an exclusive contract with Dr. Sahlolbei
at the present time.
Mr. Fallon stated that Dr. Sahlolbei did have
an exclusive contract and was given 24 hour 7
days per week coverage but has changed his
mind.
Director Garnica questioned why Dr. Chua
4
was not hired.
Dr. Lucero answered that Dr. Chua would
need remedial courses and was never doing
major surgeries previously and would not take
call. Dr. Lucero also stated that although the
medical staff supports recruiting another
physician they feel that everyone would work
better together if the surgeon was located and
hired by Dr. Sahlolbei,
Board President Copple stated that he was not
in favor of an exclusive contract with Dr.
Sahlolbei and that the community has spoken
loud and clear that they want a choice in
regards to surgeons.
Director Montgomery stated that he was not
in favor of an exclusive contract and they
need to get another surgeon and hopefully the
temporary surgeon could stay.
Dr. Lucero indicated that no other surgeon is
going to do 24/7 on-call coverage.
President Copple noted that the Board will not
get backed into a corner and that they have
given in, in the past, and will not do so again.
Director Bolliger asked Dr. Lucero how a
new surgeon obtains experience and
suggested that maybe someone new would
want to come in and be mentored by someone
on the current staff.
Dr. Lucero stated that a surgeon should
already have experience and Dr. Sahlolbei has
experience.
Director Bolliger indicated that the Dr.
Rodriguez was a new doctor and developed a
practice and that no surgeon has a perfect
record.
Mr. Fallon noted management is backed into
a corner since Dr. Sahlolbei will only take
5
coverage if offered an exclusive coverage.
Mr. Fallon asked the Board if they will
support management if surgery needs to close.
Director Garnica stated that mostly people on
Medi-call will be impacted if OB closes and
she would like to work something out rather
than close any departments.
Mr. Fallon stated that the Medical Staff by­
laws would have to be modified to allow
locum tenens coverage. He suggests the
possibility of providing a van for patients to
receive care out of town if necessary.
Director Montgomery indicated that Dr.
Sahlolbei is holding the Healthcare District
hostage until he receives an exclusive contract
and the medical staff needs to step up and do
the right thing.
Board President Copple called for Public
Comment:
Mr. Randy Weise noted that he has been
doing research on the internet and has spoken
to his attorneys and has been told that if Dr.
Sahlolbei continues to withhold services the
community could start a class action lawsuit.
Ms. Beverly Mays stated that a hospital with
surgery services is needed and questioned if
the hospital has received a formal notice from
DHS.
Mr. Jeff Flood states that he is required to
contact and report to DHS by telephone on a
daily basis.
Ms. Mays goes on to say that surgery costs
are high but that lives are more important than
revenue. Ms. Mays also stated that even if a
van is provided the basis of transporting a
patient is acceptance by the receiving
hospital.
6
Dr. Mofu indicated that for 15 years the
hospital has managed with available
personnel and hasn't always had surgeons in
the past. He also stated that transportation is
based on hospital acceptance and feels that
time has been wasted discussing alternatives
and the contract should be signed with Dr.
Sahlolbei.
Ms. Cheryl Mofu noted that the Board and
AHM are digging in their heels and are not
willing to negotiate. She also stated that in
the past the hospital closed a department to
get rid of a doctor and never got services
back. She suggests leaving egos behind and
doing what is best for the hospital.
Mr. Butch Hull stated that his comments are
personal comments and he was thankful that
the Board has "grown stones" and suggested
that all three entities get together and
compromise. He suggested not making a
decision tonight but continuing on with
discussion.
Mr. Chuck Grotke asked what locum tenens
was.
Board President Copple states that they are
doctors who are contracted to do temporary
work.
Dr. Lucero stated that if Dr. Sahlolbei had a
contract he would hire a locum as a temporary
replacement.
Board President Copple noted that locums are
given privileges for a short length of time
only and that background and credentialing is
completed on each candidate.
Dr. Lucero stated that there are three
provisional contracts including Dr.
Sahlolbei's and that the bylaws do not need to
be changed.
7
Board President Copple asked if as acting
Chief of Staff; would Dr. Lucero hire a
locum.
Dr. Lucero stated that Dr. Sahlolbei's contract
should be signed and then the problem would
be fixed. He also stated that Dr. Sahlolbei is
upset for a reason.
Board President Copple asked where the
medical staff stands. If the Board chooses not
to give an exclusive contract would the
medical staff work with changing the by-laws
to hire a locum tenens?
Ms. Liana Sain stated that it is absolutely
ridiculous for one person to decide and asked
the Board to consider that lawsuits will go on
and other surgeons could possibly be ruined
as has happened in the past.
Ms. Eugenia Webber questioned if a
compromise could be reached if the term
exclusive was removed from the contract.
Board President Copple stated that an on-call
contract would be offered regardless and
MEC would still have to credential and that is
where the problem would arise.
Director Montgomery stated that the Board
should consider overriding the credentialing
process if problems occur.
Ms. Joy Swanner stated that she spoke with
Dr. Mahapatra, the President of The Riverside
County Medical Association and was told that
if the Medical staff would not credential that
the Board could override the decision.
Ms. Glenna Peoples questioned what the
process for changing the by-laws is and would
the medical staff make the change? She also
stated that a locum tenens can only cover for a
person not a service.
8
Mr. Randy Weise stated that in researching
similar situations he discovered a lawsuit
where a locum tenens credentialing was being
stonewalled and the locum was awarded 25
million dollars.
Director Bolliger asked if we had officially
received Dr. Sahlolbei's written concerns.
Mr. Fallon stated that management had not
received Dr. Shalolbei's demands in writing
and had not been provided with a term list.
President Copple indicated that the Board had
requested a list of terms, concerns or issues in
writing so that the Board could address Dr.
Sahlolbei's issues. If the issue relate to
Quality concerns then they cannot be brought
up in public.
Ms. Sharon Essary questioned why this
problem has been allowed to go on and stated
that it has been happening for some time.
Mr. Rick Vega indicated that Dr. Sahlolbei's
behavior was inappropriate and asked why the
medical staff didn't discipline him.
Dr. Lucero stated that there was a process for
disruptive physicians.
Director Montgomery stated that Dr.
Sahlolbei had been reprimanded by the past
Board as a disruptive physician and it was
recommended that he get counseling, but that
the medical staff denied there was a problem
and voted no three times. He also stated that
the disruptive physician policy is vague and
there is no time line.
Ms. Peggy Abbs questioned how a contract
can be negotiated when the terms have not
been presented.
Ms. Doris Morgan stated that she had heard a
rumor that Dr. Sahlolbei actually carried a
9
gun into the hospital and wanted to know if
that was true.
Dr. David Brooks stated that there was an
incident in the past where Dr. Sahlolbei did
brandish a gun in the hospital and it was taken
away from him.
Ms. Morgan stated that she had also heard
that Dr. Sahlolbei had thrown something at a
nurse in the past and that he tries to run
District Board meetings from the audience.
Ms. Morgan noted that the medical staff
should monitor Dr. Sahlolbei's behavior.
Another women in the audience stated that
she had a personal experience with Dr.
Sahlolbie where her son was going to have
surgery and Dr. Sahlolbei told her that his
surgery would be successful if she voted for
him.
Dr. Mofu stated that the hospital has an
excellent nursing staff.
Mayor Robert Crain indicated that the Chief
of Staff needs to answer to the public and
suggested that a trip to Sacramento be made.
Ms. Carol Ecret stated that she also had a bad
experience with Dr. Sahlolbei and the
community deserves another surgeon and
feels that a tax measure could be passed if a
different surgeon was available. She asked
that the Board give the community a choice
and keep the doors open.
Dr. Brooks stated that the nurses are great.
He that 4 or 5 years ago the DB department
closed and it was a detriment to the spirit of
the community. He also felt that not having
surgical access would be a huge problem. He
reported that the medical staff informally met
and decided not to change the by-laws and the
overwhelming majority supported Dr.
Sahlolbei as Chief of Staff and would fight
10
any removal. Dr. Brooks also stated that
there should not be any exclusive contracts.
Board President Copple closed Public
Comment.
Board President Copple called for a motion
for consideration of an exclusive contract
with Dr. Sahlolbei.
Director Montgomery stated that he would
not support an exclusive contract.
President Copple stated that he would never
agree to exclusive contract and that neither
the Board nor the public want it.
Director Garnica stated that the hospital
should look for another surgeon.
Mr. Fallon requested that the Board consider
an allocation of $60,000 for recruitment fees
and a guarantee of up to $500,000 for salary
and expenses the first year for surgeon
recruitment.
It was the unanimous
consensus of the Board not
to consider an exclusive
surgical services coverage
agreement with Dr.
Sahlolbei.
Mr. Jeff Scott, General Counsel stated that the
contract would be structured to guarantee
salary and any revenues received from the
Physician's billing would go to the hospital to
off-set the salary guarantee.
Board President Copple called for Public
Comment. There was no Public Comment.
Board President Copple called for a motion
Mr. Fallon requested authority from the Board
to allow management to suspend Surgical,
Anesthesia and Obstetric services if necessary
to protect the hospitals license. Mr. Fallon
stated that if and when it is decided by DHS
to rescind the hospital's license it will happen
very quickly and there may not be time for the
Board to meet and decide on other options.
It was moved by Director
Bolliger, seconded by
Director Montgomery and
unanimously carried to
authorize management to
take the necessary actions to
recruit a general surgeon as
requested by Mr. Fallon.
Dr. Lucero stated that it would be a mistake to
grant authority and maybe administration
11
should decrease the amount of their
employees to save money.
Mr. Chuck Grotke noted that management has
been instructed to recruit a surgeon and he
questioned what a surgery department closure
would say to possible recruits.
Ms. Sandi Blessing stated that in her
experience, DHS and CMS do not do
anything quickly and that it would take
months to close down the hospital.
President Copple indicated that the board
should wait to see what happens in the next
few weeks. He suggested having a meeting
on June 191h and requested a written response
from the Chief of Staff relaying their
complaints and establishing how he wants to
proceed. President Copple then suggested
meeting on July 51h and revisiting the closure
question at that time.
Mayor Robert Crain stated that the medical
staff needed to come to the table with a
solution.
President Copple indicated that the District is
facing some very serious issues and that
having no surgeon on call and being forced to
close the surgery department are bigger
problems than too many managers.
On motion duly made,
seconded and unanimously
carried the meeting
adjourned at 8:00 p.m. with
the understanding that a
Special meeting may be
scheduled for June 19,2007.
Mark Bolliger
Board Secretaryffreasurer
12
PALO VERDE HOSPITAL
MANUAL: Operating Room
I
Effective Date: 12/04
Revised/Reviewed: 12/03,06/06.1
06/07
Title: Personnel "On-Call"
Number: PC
Page 1 of 2
Procedure:
I.
POLICY:
A. The Operating Room Staff will provide 24 hour emergency coverage by
qualified staff for the department. It is the O.R. Manager's responsibility
to make the assigned schedule and see that it is posted in the areas
responsible for the "on call" staff in an emergency.
B. There shall be two qualified staff members "on call" on a daily basis.
The "on call" members shall consist of one surgical technician or
LVN/Scrub Nurse and one Circulator/PACU RN. However, at the
discretion of the OR manager, additional Circulator/PACU RN staff may
be placed On-Call for the following reasons:
•
Historically busy holiday weekends
•
Scheduling of an elective Major procedure or multiple sequentially
scheduled minor procedures during a weekend
•
At the discretion of the OR manager in collaboration with the CNO
or designee..
C. Post anesthesia recovery of the surgical patient in the intensive care
unit. The Intensive Care Unit and staff may also be used to recover post­
operative patients in the event further assistance is required.
D. The OR.lPACU on call schedule will be provided to the switchboard and
double checked with the OR. in a daily basis.
E. The "on call" circulator and scrub will be contacted by the House
Supervisor and state the department where the patient is located
(emergency room, med/surg - ICU, obstetrics, etc.) She will call the
PACU nurse at the circulator's request.
1. Patient's name and age.
2. Type of surgery to be performed and the surgeon who will be
performing the operation.
PALO VERDE HOSPITAL
MANUAL: Operating Room
I
Effective Date: 12/04
Revised/Reviewed: 12/03,06/06J.
06/07
Title: Personnel "On-Call"
Number: PC
Page 2 of 2
Procedure:
3. Any special requests by the surgeon (Instruments, traction, etc.)
Prep and consent completed.
F. Check with the switchboard operator for any messages that have been
left or if the "on call" personnel are on their beepers.
!!
,
JUI~
•
\
_ ..;.
BRAD C. BARTH M.D.
ANESTHESIOLOGY
2671 COLORADO RIVER ROAD
BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA 92225
June 11, 2007
Palo Verde Healthcare District
250 North First Street
Blythe CA 92225
Attention: Bonnie Brown, Executive 1\ssistant.
Dear Madam:
I would like to serve as an interim member of the Palo Verde Healthcare District Board. I am a resident
of Blythe, and a provisional member of the medical staff of Palo Verde Hospital. I have eleven years
experience as a physician practicing in small town hospitals very much like our hospital here in Blythe. I am a
former elected chief of staff at Colorado River Medical Center in Needles, CA. I am well acquainted with
physicians' issues and I believe I can express myself in a levelheaded fashion. I moved to Blythe in December,
2006, and I still hope to settle my family here long term. I want to do everything I can to help the board keep a
full service community hospital open and operational.
Sincerely,
PHONE: 760197 5983 • FAX: 760 922 68119
, 1
)'­
l . C ~ ,-
-'
~
l,'
... \
.
Rosalie Carlton
620 Holley Lane
Blythe, CA 92225
Palo Verde Hospital Health Care District
250 North First Street
Blythe, CA 92225
June 22,2007
I am writing to apply for the vacant position of the PVHC Board incumbent advertised in
the Palo Verde Valley Times and KJMB radio.
The opportunity presented in this listing is very interesting and challenging. I believe that
my administrative background and my community involvement experience with heart
makes me a competitive candidate for this position. The key strengths that I possess for
success in this position include: Excellent Team Player; maintain open honest
communication with others; ability to achieve developmental goals; ability to
communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
My related job experience skills are to as follows:
• Provide to management monthly variance reports of the Capital and Operations
Maintenance
• Key personnel in the planning of annual Division Capital 5 year project forecasts
• Key personnel in the planning of annual Division Operations Maintenance 5 year
project forecasts
• Participate in several Government Regulatory Audits
• Excellent compliance record keeping knowledge
• Understanding of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
• Conduct Environmental and Safety Meetings; Field Safety observations
• Attend and participate in Public Awareness Meetings
• Participate in round table meetings
• Active member of the Soroptimist International of Blythe
• Co-Chair of the Soroptimist Annual Safety and Health 2006 and 2007
• Co- Chair of Soroptimist Public Relations 2006-2007
• 18 years law Enforcement- Arizona Department of Motor Vehicle
• 10 years Administrative - El Paso Natural Gas Company
I can be reached anytime via cell phone, 760-574-8347 or 760-922-4507. Thank you for
your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this important
community opportunity.
June 25, 2007
.
,
Palo Verde Hospital
250 N. First St.
Blythe, CA 92225
RE: Hospital Board Vacancy
I would like to be considered for the current vacancy on the Hospital Board.
My past positions and experiences that I feel qualify me for the position are:
I have a Doctorate in Health Education from the University of Tennessee ­
Thru my course studies, all aspects of health, from community through
global were covered.
I was a teacher for 25 years; kindergarten thru university level ­
As a teacher, I worked not only with the students, but with the parents and
community to make the curriculum the best it could be.
I served on the negotiations team for the NEA in Coffeyville, KS for 5 years ­
Being on the negotiations team taught me skills to work with the
administration to find the course that was the most beneficial to all
concerned.
1 am a resident of Blythe and a registered voter ­
As a resident of Blythe, I feel it is imperative that the Palo Verde Hospital
remain a viable operating entity to serve the community,
Edna Gillis
452 N. 4th St.
Blythe, CA 92225
(760) 921-R969
To the Members of the Palo Verde Health Care District Board:
I, Glenna Peoples RN apply for appointment to the Health Care District Board.
I am a resident of Blythe California. My residence is
17920 Green 8t.
Blythe Ca. 92225
(760) 921-9204
I am a registered voter.
If appointed I would do my utmost to make decisions based on the interests of our
community and health care facilities.
Thank You for Your Consideration,
<~
Glenna~o1JfesRN
RESOLUTION NO._07-2007-#01
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
THE PALO VERDE HEALTHCARE DISTRICT
APPOINTING
TO SERVE ON
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNTIL THE NEXT
DISTRICT GENERAL ELECTION IN 2008
WHEREAS, with the resignation of Dr. Leonel Rodriguez, a vacancy exists on the
Board of Directors of the Palo Verde Healthcare Care District; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Government Code section 1780, the Board of Directors
may appoint a director to fill the vacancy until the next District election on November 7,
2008.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Directors of the Palo Verde Healthcare
District does hereby resolve, find, determine, and order as follows:
Section 1. Pursuant to section 1780 of the Government Code, the Board of
Directors of the Palo Verde Healthcare District hereby appoints
_
to serve as a member of the Board of Directors until the next District general election on
November 7, 2008.
Section 2: The Secretary of the Palo Verde Healthcare District is hereby directed
to deliver forthwith one (1) certified copy of this resolution to the Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors of the County of Riverside, California.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a Special meeting of the Board of Directors of the
Palo Verde Healthcare District held on July 3,2007, by the following vote:
AyES:
_
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_
--------------_
Derek Copple, President
Board of Directors
ATTEST:
Mark Bolliger, Secretary
Board of Directors
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE
)
)
)
I, Mark Bolliger, Secretary of the Palo Verde Healthcare District, DO HEREBY
CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of Resolution No. _ ' adopted by the Board
of Directors of the Palo Verde Healthcare District at a Special meeting of the Board of
Directors held on July 3, 2007, which Resolution is a part of the official records of the
Palo Verde Healthcare District.
Dated: - - - - - - - -
Mark Bolliger, Secretary
Board of Directors