Pipestone County Medical Center
Governing Board Meeting
Members present: Dan Wildermuth, Dallas Roskamp, Luke Johnson, Chris Hollingsworth, Doug Nagel, Sandy Schlechter; COO/CFO, Brad Burris; CEO, Bryan Breitling, Avera Regional Administrator and Denise Solma, Executive Assistant.
Meeting was called to order by Board Chair, Chris Hollingsworth at 1:00 pm.
Agenda was approved with two corrections; of not having any Medical Staff Appointments or Re Appointments and approval of the 2026 Budget. A motion by Wildermuth and 2nd by Nagel approved the changes.
May 27, 2025 Minutes approved with a motion by Johnson and 2nd by Roskamp. Motion carried.
Capital Request – was given by Meg DeGroot, Surgery Manager. The request to purchase two Peds colonoscopy scopes was approved with a motion from Wildermuth, 2nd by Roskamp..
Plant Operations Report – was shared by Pete Swanson, Facility Manager. Wold was just at PCMC to discuss issues from the wall coverings to 2nd floor windows along with the Ashton building. Sewer line problems are being investigated which could affect Dietary. The Hospice House heating /cooling options are being explored. Maintenance continues to work on the gas line project. It will require the Department of Health’s approval along with the City of Pipestone before moving ahead. A repair list of items for our houses will be made to make sure all upkeep is done.
Financial Report – shared by Sandy Schlechter; COO/CFO informed the Board that we have a profit for the month of May. Cash days are up and AR days have gone down. In our statistics, swing bed counts are up along with ER. Outpatient and Clinic visits continue to be down. A motion from Johnson and 2nd by Nagel approved the financial report subject to audit.
2026 Budget – Was approved with a motion from Johnson and 2nd by Roskamp.
Human Resources Monthly Report – Judy Raschke, Director, informed us that we are currently seeking to find individuals for thirteen positions at PCMC. We have had thirty-seven applicants apply for our various openings this month and filled four positions. Judy shared that the Peak on Survey results have been sent to Managers. PCMC hoped for 80% response, but got 73%. Our hope in the future is to increase this once people realize all the wonderful information that you can get from it. HR continues to watch the 2025 Legislation items which could have effects on our policies.
Clinic Update – Amy Nelson, Clinic Director, shared the Clinic has been working to make sure Epic has the information on each employee’s duties. These duties are assigned a code to allow them access in the computer system. Quality projects continue work with cancer screenings, breast screenings and diabetic management. Mary Crow was introduced to the Board as she handles the prior Authorizations for the Clinic. Mary has been in her positon for a year now and has done 934 procedure prior authorizations and roughly 5,000 medication prior authorizations. Mary shared she thinks of patients as part of her personal family and wants to make sure they are taken care of.
Nursing Report – Jessica Smidt, Chief Nursing Officer needed Board approval to continue the current Quality plan through September. A motion by Wildermuth and 2nd by Nagel approved this program to continue. We are proud to share that PCMC has been recognized from the Life Line Stroke Program for our continued stroke care. PCMC works hard to make sure education and continued therapy is done to allow the stroke patient the best possible recovery. Home Health and Hospice took place in another State inspection. We are proud to report no corrective action was needed. Progress continues as we move forward into Epic. Job descriptions are being completed, super users are being chosen and equipment needs are being tended to.
Administrator’s Report – Brad Burris shared H.R. 1 now goes through the United States Senate and the reconciliation process is all being watched closely. PCMC could see a decrease in Medicaid reimbursements of $855,785. The outcome is uncertain for the Medicaid Direct Payment Program due to lack of Trump administration support. The Board was informed that the Pipestone County Medical Center does pay property tax even though we are county owned. AI continues to make its presence known in health care. It is believed it will dramatically increase the unemployment rate in the next five years.
McKennan Update – Bryan Breitling, Avera Regional Administrator let the Board know that Peak on Survey was completed at McKennan also. Their results are being shared with Managers. McKennan’s Quality and Strategic plan are sharing results to work on a positive outcome together. Bryan also warned the group with the new Epic software come chances for fraud items to come through. This has happened at another location, so please be on the lookout. If something looks suspicious, please report it. Campus construction continues to make progress.
Closed Session – to discuss a property purchase – motion from Wildermuth and second from Nagel to close the meeting per MN Statute 13D.05Subd.3(c)(3) to discuss a possible property purchase. Meeting closed at 2:15pm.
Closed Session opened at 2:16 pm with the following members present: Dan Wildermuth, Luke Johnson, Dallas Roskamp, Doug Nagel, Chris Hollingsworth, Brad Burris, CEO; Sandy Schlechter, COO/CFO, Denise Solma, Executive Assistant and Bryan Breitling, Avera Regional Administrator.
Motion by Johnson, seconded by Roskamp at 2:22 pm to come out of closed session. Motion carried unanimously.
The regular monthly meeting resumed at 2:23 pm with a motion from Wildermuth and 2nd by Roskamp to purchase the house located at 804 4th Ave SW, Pipestone, MN for $300,000.00. Motion carried. Dan Wildermuth will speak to Damain Sandy and the Yseth family on moving forward with the purchase with the closing date of July 2025 and pro-rate taxes.
Adjournment – Meeting was adjourned at 2:33 pm with a motion from Wildermuth and 2nd by Roskamp.