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Present: Directors: Deverell, Bannon, Klein, Nielsen
Absent Directors: Casella
Also Present: C. Andersen, Buffenbarger

Vice Chair Klein called the meeting to order at 7:00 am.

Board members Andersen and Shepard elected not to continue serving on the Board in 2013. Both thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve.

The agenda was approved.

The November 2012 minutes were reviewed and approved.

Old Business: None

New Business

Management Report:

Buffenbarger reported that census is on a seasonal decline at 88% occupancy. The payer mix in November shifted away from Medicare, but that population rebounded in December with Medicare at 15%, Medicaid at 55% and Private Pay at 29%.

DCRNC conducted a RFP for pharmacy services. The facility received six bids. Cathy Anderson and Andrew Buffenbarger scored the responses and selected Alliance Pharmacy as they earned the greatest number of points.

Klein requested a motion to approve Alliance Pharmacy as the DCRNC contract pharmacy. Deverell made the motion, Bannon second. Unanimous approval.

Buffenbarger reported about the Deficit Reduction Act provision that results in Medicaid payment penalty periods. Residents that have transferred assets in the last 5 years may be approved for Medicaid but assigned a penalty period equal to the value of the asset divided by the private pay rate. The result is a period of time where DCRNC is not being paid by Medicaid for care of that resident. We are working with Kingspointe Consulting to assist with the appeal process and hardship waiver associated with Medicaid penalty periods.

Buffenbarger reported that Medicaid is current though we are closely watching the pension reform process and will provide updates if our Medicaid payment cycle is threatened. DCRNC is in a strong cash position currently and can withstand the impact of a 6-8 month payment delay but may look to the County for financial support if the delay threatens our cash position. The County has indicated it would be able to assist if necessary.

Buffenbarger reported the Medicare rate is scheduled to go up on October 1, 2013 by 1%, though the fiscal cliff would reduce payments by 2% if no action is taken. We will know in the next couple of months whether DCRNC Medicare rates will be reduced.

Buffenbarger reported the Pinnacle scores are very good. We are focusing on food as it scored the lowest, and commonly does in facilities across the nation as shown in the comparative graphs. The customer service responses are distributed amongst department leaders and action is taken where necessary.

Buffenbarger reported the compliance audit work is beginning and will progress in stages over the coming year.

Next Meeting: March 13, 2013 at 7:00 a.m. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Andrew Buffenbarger
Recording Secretary