DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Operating Board Met April 8.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Present Directors: Ferald Bryan, Pat Conboy, Karen Cribbin, William Cummings, Steve Kuhn, Greg Millburg, Rita Nielsen.

Absent Directors: None

Also Present: Brian Gregory, Steve Duchene, Scott Gima

Rita Nielsen called the meeting to order at 7:39 a.m. The meeting is being held as a Virtual Public Meeting.

Rita Nielsen read Pat Conboy’s email stating his resignation as a Director of the Operating Board as follows: “I have decided for personal reasons to resign from the Operating Board effective immediately. I compliment the Board Members, Scott, Steve and the staff for all their efforts and wish everyone well.”

Motion: Greg Millburg moved to approve the agenda with the addition of a discussion of a COVID Vaccine Policy. Seconded by Steve Kuhn.

Roll Call Vote: Rita Nielsen asked for a roll call vote on the approval of the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion: Ferald Bryan moved to approve the March 18, 2021 open session minutes. Steve Kuhn seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote: Rita Nielsen asked for a roll call vote on the approval of the minutes. Motion carried unanimously.

Public Comments:

None

Old Business:

None

New Business:

Note: These minutes are not official until approved by the Rehab & Nursing Operating Board at a subsequent meeting. Please refer to the meeting minutes when these minutes are approved to obtain any changes to these minutes.

Operations Report. Gima stated the current census at 112 with 5 Medicare and admissions reopening as soon as confirmation is received from IDPH.

Gima discussed the current status of the IDPH inspections of the Activity Center and TCU. The architect inspection was conducted with a handful of minor corrective measures required, of which most were caulking of ceiling penetrations. The IDPH health inspection will take place after FF&E is ordered and delivered. Gima summarized the recent development of approximately 9 drywall cracks in the Activity Center and Activity Center corridor. The cracks are similar to the TCU drywall cracks that were found at drywall joints. The drywall subcontractor was on-site this week to inspect and repair the cracks. Gima will follow-up with Ringland Johnson regarding an extension to the warranty period with the development of these new cracks.

Gima summarized the current post-survey tasks to improve the Alzheimer’s/dementia programming on the CVS unit. A primary focus is the addition of new physicians to support the program. A new psychiatrist that will provide consulting services for CVS unit residents and other residents that require a consult. The physician will also provide access to inpatient psychiatric care if such services are needed. The other physician recruitment effort is for the facility’s Medical Director position and to provide primary care services to residents on the CVS unit. Both physicians will also support the nursing services. Programming efforts will also address the philosophy of the programming, medication management and palliative care. Program improvements will support efforts to rebuild the census.

Administrators Report. Duchene discussed the current status of staff COVID positive tests that totaled three since March 27 and the CMS County COVID positivity rate has risen from 3.0 percent to 3.9 percent. The positive tests have required a hold on indoor visitation. The majority of the families are appreciative of the facility’s efforts. Compassionate care visits are being used to provide family visitation as needed. To support admission efforts, a social services employee has been appointed to fill the admissions/marketing position. Kuhn asked for the current resident COVID vaccination rate. Duchene stated an 80% vaccination rate. Cribben asked about the staff vaccination rate to confirm that 30% are unvaccinated and if staff vaccinations were mandated. Duchene stated that it is voluntary.

Brian Gregory provided an update from the Finance Committee meeting regarding financial assistance for the nursing home. The Finance Committee has asked for the framework of the financial assistance in the form of a loan with concrete terms and benchmarks that cover census, revenue and expense reductions. A special meeting of the Operating Board and Finance Committee will be scheduled.

Gima asked the Directors to review the Compliance Handbook and accompanying attestation of review. A compliance re-attestation resolution was also provided for review and will be an agenda item at the next meeting.

Gima provided background on the existing voluntary COVID vaccine policy and the current discussions regarding the benefits and drawbacks of a change in the policy. There have been recent industry news reports of healthcare providers looking at or implementing a mandatory COVID vaccine policy. LeadingAge Illinois, in a recent telephone conversation has indicated the start of a trend in the direction of a mandatory policy. Federal and State COVID infection control guidelines require the suspension of visitation with one or more positive COVID tests. The LeadingAge representative stated that the disruption in visitation was a reason for a mandatory vaccination policy. Gima stated that the policy is also being reviewed due to the postponement in visitation.

Motion: Greg Millburg moved to adjourn. Steve Kuhn seconded the motion. Roll Call Vote: Rita Nielsen asked for a voice vote to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 9:12 a.m.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/min21-rncapr.pdf