August 28, 2001

• Jim Brinkman, Chief Financial Officer, presented the financial reports for July. After review and discussion the reports were approved as presented.
  
  
• Nicole Lawson presented the accounts receivable report with recommendations for further action on selected accounts. After discussion, the report and requests were approved.
  
  
• Ron Bender presented the Collections Committee Review Policy & Procedures for the Boards approval. The Committee members are Ron Bender, Jim Brinkman, and Nicole Lawson. The goal of the committee is to maintain reasonable billing and collections guidelines that allow for fair, timely payment of amounts owed to the medical center without causing undue hardship on the patient or responsible party. The policy is used as a guide by the committee so that fairness is maintained, but it also provides for the committee to use its judgement in adjusting to the circumstances of individual payers. The committee attempts to reach fair payment agreements where possible. It also considers and rules on applications for reduced cost care for payers who qualify under hospital guidelines. The board reviewed the policies and the forms used. After discussion the Board approved the accounts receivable policies. The uncompensated care policy will be reviewed at a future meeting.
  
  
• The Board reviewed Dr. Chance William's credentials and formal application for privileges to practice at Clay County Medical Center. After discussion the application was approved.
  
  
• In response to a request from Board Chairwoman Lori Penner, Ron Bender presented information regarding the State of Kansas program for charitable tax increment financing. Under the program administered by the Department of Commerce & Housing donors can get a tax credit of 70% their donations towards an approved grant project off of their state income tax. The applications will be due for the next cycle by the first Friday in May. The program looks well suited to future needs at Clay County Medical Center. It is planned that an application for hospital renovations will be submitted. The maximum amount of the grants is $245,000 of credits.
  
  
• The first phase of clinic renovations is well underway. Three clinic employees have moved to office space in the basement and files have been relocated on the main floor. Dr. William's office is complete on the main floor and he has moved in. The new coffee area is now in use and the new basement storage areas for the hospital and clinic are nearly complete. Renovation of the clinic to provide for a new nurses station work area remains to be completed.
  
  
• The next Board meeting is set for September 25th at 8 p.m.