2009-09-14
Berlin VNA Nursing Board
September 14, 2009
Room A – 7:00 p.m.
Present: B. Luddy, P. Bobrowski, S. Lyons, P. Alkas, D. Pindar, N. Baccaro,
M. Aresimowicz, M. Dutkiewicz, J. Clark, B. Constantine, M. Longyear, L. Colella and
R. Goldberg, M.D.
Excused: M. Tolis
Absent: E. Frederick
Call to Order
President Luddy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Audience of Citizens
None
Minutes
The minutes were reviewed by members. A motion made by N. Baccaro to accept the
minutes and seconded by M. Dutkiewicz.
Those voting in favor:
B. Luddy, P. Bobrowski, S. Lyons, P. Alkas, D. Pindar, N. Baccaro, M. Aresimowicz,
M. Dutkiewicz, J. Clark, B. Constantine
President’s Report
B. Luddy began by thanking M. Longyear for her years of service and dedication to the
Berlin VNA. M. Longyear will retire with October 2, 2009 as her last day. B. Luddy
expressed how well the agency was run, with the past fiscal year being a great year and
appreciated the communication between M. Longyear and the Board of Directors during
her position as administrator. All the members wished her well in retirement and a round
of applause given from members.
A letter was received regarding the public relations matter in question, which stated there
was no disparagement towards the Berlin VNA. The Berlin VNA Nursing Board is
appreciative of the efforts of Attorney John Matulis, Jr. for resolving this issue.
The Health Fair sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce which was to be held on
September 12 at the Farmer’s Market in Berlin was dampened by rain this year.
P. Alkas did a great job organizing the annual dinner held in June which was enjoyed by
all.
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Administrator Longyear’s position has been posted. A motion was made by
P. Bobrowski to amend the agenda to form a search committee for the Berlin VNA’s
Administrator position. Seconded by M. Aresimowicz.
Those voting in favor:
B. Luddy, P. Bobrowski, S. Lyons, P. Alkas, D. Pindar, N. Baccaro, M. Aresimowicz,
M. Dutkiewicz, J. Clark, B. Constantine
The Charter was reviewed; state regulations, agency bylaws and the duties of the Board
of Directors in hiring a new administrator were discussed. Town Manager, Denise
McNair, Denise Bard, Human Resource Director and Dr. Richard Goldberg, Town
Medical Advisor are on the Search Committee on the town side.
A motion was made by N. Baccaro for Berlin VNA Board members consisting of the
Executive Committee B. Luddy, President, P. Bobrowski, Vice President, B. Constantine,
Treasurer, P. Alkas, Secretary and M. Aresimowicz, past President be on the Search
Committee. Seconded by S.Lyons.
All in favor:
B. Luddy, P. Bobrowski, S. Lyons, P. Alkas, D. Pindar, N. Baccaro, M. Aresimowicz,
M. Dutkiewicz, J. Clark, B. Constantine
Treasurer’s Report
B. Constantine reviewed financial reports for the end of the fiscal year. The agency had a
great year with revenue $709,000 more than budgeted. A gross revenue of $1,809,000
was realized. The expenses were also under budget as well. Discussion of patient mix
and using resources differently and more effectively worked to achieve results. B.
Constantine reported the beginning of the 2010 fiscal year is starting off well
Administrator’s Report
M. Longyear addressed members of the Nursing Board with mixed emotions on her
retirement. She reports that the agency is in good shape. As reported this fiscal year was
an incredible revenue year reflective of good cost controls. State licensure and Medicare
certification are in good standing for the next two years and JCAHO Accreditation stands
through November 2010. Several accomplishments of the agency were cited; e.g., a
computerized clinical documentation program, a state of the art wound documentation
system and development of agency policies and procedures for effective management.
The department has had a good consistent staff for the last five years and a solid team
effort is attributable to success.
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Administrator Longyear felt appreciative to have had the opportunity to maintain her
accreditation by the National Association for Home Care as a CHCE, Certified Home
Care Executive and the opportunity to attend the National Association of Home Care
Annual Conferences. M. Longyear spoke of the benefits this offers for keeping current in
this industry.
She enjoyed the community and working with the residents of Berlin, the Board and staff
but is looking forward to traveling and enjoying retirement.
M. Longyear also discussed:
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Grant Request approved/received from Marjorie Moore Fund for Homemaking
and Bath Programs.
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Flu Immunization - Berlin VNA will hold flu clinics in October and November
based on recommendations from the Town Medical Advisor, Dr. Richard
Goldberg and the American Lung Association. Adults over 18, current clients,
homebound residents, town employees and residents of Berlin are welcome.
These will be done October 21 and November 10.
?
The Central Connecticut Health District and CDC have asked School Districts to
begin tracking Influenza-Like-Illnesses (ILI). Guidelines and tracking forms have
been distributed to Berlin school health room staff. The Central Connecticut
Health District will receive the H1N1 vaccine. Details to follow.
?
Health Insurance Reform – Several areas of reform do address home care and this
will need to be monitored on any changes. The National Association of Home
Care is focusing their efforts on these issues.
?
McKesson Computer System – Several planned updates will be forthcoming this
Fall with upgrading to version 11.0 and an upgrade to the computer server. Both
will require working with the IT Department.
Supervisor’s Report
L. Colella reported it was a very busy summer. All vacations and services were covered
by all nursing and therapy staff for patient care.
Committee Reports
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Professional Advisory Committee – No recommendations at this time.
?
QI Committee – P. Alkas, Chairperson gave an overview of the recent meeting
which discussed PT/INR Program, Patient Education – Clinical Pathway
Interface, Wound Documentation, and Patient Satisfaction Report.
Old Business
None presented
New Business
None presented
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A motion was made by M. Aresimowicz to adjourn the meeting, seconded by
M. Dutkiewicz.
Those voting in favor:
B. Luddy, P. Bobrowski, S. Lyons, P. Alkas, D. Pindar, N. Baccaro, M. Aresimowicz,
M. Dutkiewicz, J. Clark, B. Constantine
Meeting Adjourned.
Submitted by,
Dori Dyer
Commission Secretary