Hospital Administration Discusses Accreditation
Jasper Health Services, Inc. board members, including the recently named Oconee Regional Medical Center interim chief executive officer Jean Aycock, spoke to the issue of accreditation at Jasper Memorial Hospital (JMH) during last week’s meeting.
In response to commentary about the hospital’s accreditation during last week’s county commission budget work session, administrators explained that JMH is fully accredited with Medicare and Medicaid, dispelling any misconception about the medical facility’s accreditation.
JMH administrator David Owens said that the facility was not accredited by the Joint Commission and that it was a voluntary accreditation process. Though that type of medical accreditation is viewed as the “gold star,” he said that achieving such status is often very costly and cumbersome for medical facilities.
Board member Alison Hildebrandt questioned as to the cost associated with the Joint Commission process. Ms. Aycock said that licensing could cost about $15,000 but that the human resources needed to complete the process could not be estimated.
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Primary Care Center administrator Jan Gaston said that the organization would have to do some “soul searching” in deciding whether to pursue Joint Commission accreditation status.
A review of October’s finances reflected losses for JMH and the Retreat during the first month of the new fiscal year, according to assistant administrator Laura Hammonds. The hospital recorded a $46,000 deficit in part to a decrease in volume and expenditures over budget. The nursing home lost $2,000 with expenditures coming in over budget as well.
Mrs. Hammonds also provided a report on the hospital’s MRI activities. Since providing the service in April, 65 studies had been completed which averages to about nine scans per month.
Board members unanimously approved the purchase of a replacement HVAC system at a cost of $15,497.
During the administrative reports Donna Holman reported that the Retreat was at full occupancy; annual survey was conducted October 16-18; staff Christmas dinner is planned for December 14; and participation in the statewide pandemic flu exercise.
Mr. Owens commented that a Joint Commission consultant had recently visited the facility and that a visual display for JMH had been placed on Jackson Lake Road. He also said that work was still in process to find a reasonable rate on room renovations that will house the new radiology equipment approved by the board last month. In relation to that issue, the administrator said that he had applied for an $85,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield telemedicine grant.
Mrs. Gaston reported that PCC was still administering flu shots and that Dr. Shannon Barton currently has a Mercer University medical student interning under her leadership. She also announced that Dr. Leigh Thompson had become board certified in internal medicine and is slated to receive a student intern as well.
Christy Brooks provided an emergency department survey review.
The board entered into executive session to discuss medical staff recommendations to re-appoint Dr. Bradford Lippman for consulting staff privileges.
