Members present: Dan Wildermuth, Dallas Roskamp, Luke Johnson, Chris Hollingsworth, Doug Nagel, Brad Burris, CEO, Sandy Schlechter; COO/CFO, Bryan Breitling, Avera Regional Administrator and Denise Solma, Executive Assistant.
Meeting was called to order by Board Chair, Chris Hollingsworth at 1:00pm.
Agenda was approved with the following corrections; Judy Raschke will be delivering the Human Resources Report today with Rachel Stotz delivering next month. Dr. Vroman will give her report next month. Our guest speaker Terri Jacobs, name spelt with an I not a Y. Our medical staff appointments are from ICU Telemedicine Practitioners and one for Avera Neonatal Telemedicine Practitioners. A motion by Roskamp and 2nd by Wildermuth approved the following corrections.
March 25, 2025, Minutes and April 14, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes were approved with a motion by Johnson and 2nd by Nagel. Motion carried.
ACO Update – was given by Terri Jacobs from Avera. The ACO was started back in 2014. In 2016 Medicare started working with Avera and rural areas in wanting to do preventative visits, to prevent illnesses before they start. By clinics working one on one with the patients to meet each individual’s needs, it was proven to save money.
These savings funds were then split which was a financial benefit to participating facilities. Pipestone Clinic works hard to meet or exceed these yearly requirements.
Plant Operations Report – was shared by Pete Swanson, Facility Manager. PCMC is working with Wold on a variety of projects, 2nd floor windows, moving the Ashton building onto the main electrical system, cracked sewer line in the utility room of Ashton and replacing the boiler system in the Hospice House. Brad and Pete will review the cancellation notice for the medical gas cylinders. Pete will work with Steve Ewing on getting a date nailed down in June for the surplus auction. Staff duress/assistance system is being worked on with Carmen Fey with the hope of applying for a MDH workplace safety grant.
Financial Report – was shared by Sandy Schlechter; COO/CFO. We are hopeful that we are caught up on all bills along with making the journal entry for the GASB 102. This entry shows the PTO and disability on the books now. Adjustments to this will be on going moving forward. A motion from Johnson and seconded by Roskamp approved the financial report subject to audit.
Medical Staff Appointments/Reappointments for ICU Telemedicine Practitioners and Avera Neonatal Telemedicine Practitioners was approved by a motion from Wildermuth and 2nd by Nagel.
Human Resources Monthly Report – Judy Raschke, HR Director, informed us that we are currently seeking to find individuals for fifteen positions at PCMC. We have had forty-five applicants apply for our various openings this month and filled two positions. Judy shared that the SWMN CEO program visited PCMC. This group of Jr’s/Sr’s who are already entrepreneurs with some starting their own businesses were able to ask questions about running a business. We are proud to announce we have one applicant for the Scholarship Pipe-line. HR will be lining up interviews with this applicant and the Department Manager.
Clinic Update – Amy Nelson, Clinic Director, shared the news of a new Ortho PA, Breanna Wessels. She will be taking April Labot’s spot in the future. New goals/requirements have been set for the ACO. The Clinic will work hard to reach the new tier levels. Dr. Ahmed is scheduled to start this fall.
Nursing Report – was given by Jessica Smidt, Chief Nursing Officer. We are celebrating Lab week this week. Be sure to thank your lab personnel for all the hard work they do every day. Our next Disaster Drill is set for September 15th. We are in need of people to play patients. If you or someone you know is willing to help them help, please reach out. Our OB personal was able to participate in an emergency skills training with some very real and fancy mannequins on site. We are so thankful for Avera letting us participate in this program. Our Hospice Benefit had a great turn out and was able to raise $24–$27,000.00. Some much needed landscaping will now be getting attention. PCMC Facility Quality Goals were shared with the Governing Board, we are on track as we start out our new year.
Administrator’s Report – Brad Burris shared information on the Medicaid Directed Payment Program. The Senate bill might now include a cap essentially limiting the size of the DPP. The Federal government could eliminate these programs to cut Medicaid spending to help pay for extending $4.5 trillion in tax cuts. The bill for Prohibiting facility fees is still alive, MHA is working with the Governor’s office to avoid cuts and focus on more disclosure. State budget projections are $456 million surplus in FY 26–27 and $6 billion deficit in FY 28–29. These items could cause issues with the finances.
Avera Update – Bryan Breitling, Avera Regional Administrator shared information on the new employee survey coming out April 28 – May 14. The new distribution center will be using Penske shipping and Avera Sacred Heart will have a new employee with Vickie Hansen joining the team. She comes from Mayo Clinic but is a hometown gal from Dell Rapids, SD.
Adjournment – Meeting was adjourned at 2:33 pm. with a motion from Wildermuth and 2nd by Johnson.
Respectfully submitted,
Chris Hollingsworth, Chairperson
Doug Nagel, Secretary