DeKalb Times

DeKalb County Health & Human Services Committee met Nov. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the Committee:

The Health & Human Services Committee of the DeKalb County Board met on Monday, November 6, 2023, in the Legislative Center’s Gathertorium in Sycamore, Illinois. Chair Rukisha Crawford called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Those members present were Savannah Ilenikhena, Joe Marcinkowski, Michelle Pickett, Chris Porterfield, Amber Quitno, and Chair Rukisha Crawford. Meryl Domina was absent. A quorum was established with six members present and one absent.

Others present included Rehabilitation & Nursing Center Administrator Bart Becker, County Administrator Brian Gregory, Administrative Analyst Liam Sullivan, and County Board Chair Suzanne Willis.

Meryl Domina arrived at 6:33 p.m.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Chris Porterfield moved to approve the agenda as presented. Savannah Ilenikhena seconded the motion and the motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

Amber Quitno moved to approve the minutes of the October 2, 2023 committee meeting and Michelle Pickett seconded the motion and the motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Anna Wilhelmi addressed the committee members and asked them to keep in mind that the DeKalb County Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (DCRNC) is part of the county. She stated that she is pleased with the direction things are going and that the Health & Human Services Committee must ensure that required funds to operate the center are secured so that the administrator has all the tools needed to improve and restore the operation.

Steve Duchrow stated that he would like to know if the DCRNC Certificate of Need has been withdrawn since withdrawal is needed before a second Certificate of Need can be submitted for facility improvements. He thanked the committee for their efforts and asked the committee what can be done to ensure we have the best and brightest individuals serving on the oversight committee. Duchrow expressed concern that the DCRNC operation could end up in the same spot again if the county isn’t properly equipped for success and he suggested the establishment of a think tank.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution R2023-114 – A Resolution Authorizing the Increase of Daily Private Pay Resident Room Rates at the DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center Effective January 1, 2024. County Administrator Brian Gregory referenced Jordan Healthcare’s business model for the DCRNC, stating that one of the concerns outlined is the private pay rate and that the county will lose an opportunity for additional reimbursement if the private pay rate isn’t increased. Gregory reviewed the thought process in determining a rate range of $325 - $415. DCRNC Administrator Bart Becker stated that he recommends $400.

Committee member Joe Marcinkowski stressed the importance of the county’s ability to cover costs. Bart Becker clarified that both existing residents and new residents need to be considered in raising the private pay rate and that there will be a phase-in for existing residents.

Following questions from committee members, Brian Gregory provided some history on Medicaid billing mistakes the DCRNC operation made that resulted in the operation experiencing a significant financial loss. He outlined that when Bart Becker returned to the operation, he established a pre-pay billing methodology and that with Jordan Healthcare’s support, there is now a solid system in place for an effective billing process. Gregory added that moving forward, there will be sufficient oversight to ensure billing concerns are addressed in a timely manner. Becker provided some history on his experience with the prior management company and the failure points that developed. Committee member Chris Porterfield emphasized the need for a structure to be put in place to prevent recurrence of these issues.

Chair Crawford outlined that decisions have to be made relative to the structure of the oversight committee. Bart Becker emphasized that committee members must be trained and suggested that the committee include relevant professionals such as accountants and also resident family members. County Board Chair Suzanne Willis mentioned that the Committee of the Whole will be discussing the structure of the oversight committee.

Brian Gregory mentioned that the county is still waiting for direction from the state on whether the Certificate of Need can be withdrawn by a single party, or if it will require a dual withdrawal. He added that if the withdrawal is presented during the December 5th Health Facilities & Services Review Board meeting, the county would then be able to move forward with the Certificate of Need for the operational improvements.

Brian Gregory suggested to the committee that the county could handle the new private pay rate phase-in for existing residents by applying a discount to the full-price rate and reducing that discount annually until the target rate is reached. The committee members responded favorably to this recommendation.

Bart Becker reviewed that (18) double occupancy rooms will be transitioned to private, single occupancy rooms and that the excess furnishings will be moved to the Transitional Care Unit. He added that offering more private occupancy rooms will improve the DCRNC’s competitiveness with other facilities.

Chair Crawford requested a roll call vote on advancing Resolution R2023-114 with the proposed modifications to the full county board. The committee unanimously approved the advancement of the resolution.

CONSIDERATIONS

Adoption of Jordan Healthcare Group’s Business Plan

Brian Gregory provided an overview of the business plan for the DCRNC and referenced that it includes staffing levels, census numbers and room rates. He added that the plan provides a playbook for the future and that it is important that there is a consensus in moving forward with this plan.

Gregory emphasized the importance of the projected daily census numbers coming to fruition. He added that Bart Becker will be implementing the business plan with Jordan Healthcare continuing to serve as a consultant. Committee member Savannah Ilinekhena stressed the importance of defining individual roles and responsibilities in ensuring the overall success of the operation.

OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

None

ADJOURNMENT

It was moved by Savannah Ilenikhena and seconded by Chris Porterfield to adjourn the meeting. The motion was carried, and the meeting adjourned at 7:23pm.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/minutes-hhs-11062023.pdf