Karuk Tribe – Health Board Meeting

March 5, 2009 – Meeting Minutes

 

Meeting called to order at 3 PM by Arch Super, Chairman

                                                                                                                                 

Present:

Arch Super, Chairman

Leaf Hillman, Vice-Chairman

Florrine Super, Secretary

Leeon Hillman, Treasurer

Roy Arwood, Member at Large

Alvis “Bud” Johnson, Member at Large

Verna Reece, Member at Large

Florence Conrad, Member at Large

 

Absent:

Vacant – Member at Large

 

Agenda:

Alvis Johnson motioned and Roy Arwood seconded to approve the agenda with changes, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Minutes of February 12, 2009:

Florence Conrad motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve the minutes of February 12, 2009, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Health Mission Statement was read aloud by Florence Conrad, Member at Large.

 

Old Business:

None at this time.

 

New Business:

None at this time.

 

Director Reports:

1.) Donita Hill, Yreka Dental Assistant/Hygienist:

Donita is present to introduce herself to the Health Board in accordance with new process of introducing new staff or recently hired staff to communicate on their positions within the Tribe and what they are currently doing in the organization. Donita explained that she was first working in the capacity of dental assistant since there were minimal clients scheduled for dental hygiene visits. As the schedule became filled she has transferred over to performing her dental hygienist duties. There is enough clientele to be working fully scheduled as a hygienist at the Yreka facility now. She has done a lot of outreach and education on hygiene and continues to prioritize prevention.

 

2.) Lisa Rugg, Yreka PA:

Not present.

 

3.) Daniel Pratt, TANF Director

Daniel is present to review his written report with the Health Board. The TANF program currently has 20 active cash aid cases and the case workers are continuously doing outreach to the communities to provide information about services and the program.

 

The TAS system is working well and an additional server was ordered to house the entire data base for security reasons. The request noted I Daniel’s report for administrative privileges was discussed and Eric provided an update. Eric understands that although the TAS system has its own server it is still linked the Karuk network and this leaves administrative privileges with the Tribe and those persons already have administrative access that the IT department has deemed needed and safely provided. Daniel would still like some members of his staff have administrative privileges and will work on a draft agreement between TANF and the IT Department to acknowledge exactly what access is needed and how that access will be used to ensure that there are no network vulnerabilities.

 

Daniel explained that the MOU with the State has been misplaced and he is working on finding it but is sure that it was lost at the State level. He will send another MOU if the signed one is not found to ensure that another signed copy be on file.

 

The MOU with Humboldt County will be presented for approval March 17, 2009 at their Board of Supervisors meeting. 

 

Daniel presented one action item for the Health Board to approve. He presented procurement for The Vocational Research Institute in the amount of $4,375. The company he selected will provide career based assessments that are required in client case plans according to TANF regulations.

 

Arch asked that Daniel remember to provide copies of documents he is seeking Health Board approval on so that the entire Board could review them.

 

Alvis Johnson motioned and Roy Arwood seconded to approve procurement and the purchase with Vocational Research Institute in the amount of $4,375, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Leeon Hillman motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve Daniel’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

4.) Mike Edwards, Behavioral Health Director:

Mike is present to review his written report with the Health Board. He has been working on Title IVE and they continue to finalize the review of the Karuk Child Welfare Plan. After some revisions by the California State Department of Social Services it was passed on to Region IX for approval.

 

Parenting classes that were held in Yreka were very successful. They second round of the class will be offered March 5, 2009 and following that session a date for the class will be scheduled for the Orleans community.

 

A local Karuk home has been designated as a foster home and the Social Services office will be placing two children in custody of Native Americans and removed from Siskiyou County Child Protective custody.

 

The Social Services department has been meeting with Lessie to review policies and procedures to ensure the program is prepared for accreditation.

 

Alvis Johnson motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Mike’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

5.) Vickie Walden, Dental Office Manager:

Vickie is present to review her written report with the Health Board. She does have one action item; procurement for a dental x-ray processor.

 

Vickie provided a copy of her procurement documentation to the Board including the bids received and an explanation of the services that she was seeking.

 

Alvis Johnson motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve procurement and authorize payment to Sullivan Schein in the amount of $7,323.02, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

The remaining portion of Vickie’s report included dental visit count by each site comparing them to the previous month. She also announced that the State Indian Health review is scheduled for March 11-12, 2009.

 

Nikki Hokanson completed school screenings at Junction, Hornbrook, Seiad Valley, Horse Creek, and Happy Camp schools. She provided a report which included treatment, identified needs, sealant needs and non urgent care recommendations.

 

Vickie provided her budget information for the Board to review.

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Vickie’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara. 

 

6.) Patti White, Database Administrator:

Patti is present to answer any questions that the Health Board may have to her written report. She does not currently have any action items in her report.

 

Patti’s report includes several reports including, third party eligibility, contract health services, direct inpatient, ambulatory care visits, patient registration, chart reviews, injuries, ER, in-hospital visits and pharmacy. Some of the reports contain no data based on the data entry clerks not entering in fields that are not used.

Patti tracked how many reports she received for support and what types of support were sought. She provided a breakout of those requests to the Health Board.  

 

She attached her budget information and her staffs training reports, consistent with procedure for Directors or Managers reporting.

 

Florrine Super motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Patti’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

7.) Eric Cutright, IT Director:

Eric is present to review his written report with the Health Board. He only has one action item to present this evening but will need to be added to the Planning Meeting agenda to discuss another action item.

 

Eric presented agreement 09-A-018 between AT&T and the Karuk Tribe for services within Yreka. The agreement includes $6,280.00 per year to switch the existing Yreka clinic analog phone service to digital phone PRI circuit. The new circuit will cost about the same as the existing phone lines, but provide superior service. Eric completed procurement for the new service but was only able to receive one bid. He did solicit other companies but they failed to cooperate and provide the needed documentation. According to policy both Erin and Laura have signed off on the procurement document.

 

Roy Arwood motioned Alvis seconded to approve agreement 09-A-018 between AT&T and the Karuk Tribe, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Eric highlighted his report for the Health Board noting that he has been working on obtaining internet access to the Panamnik Center in Orleans. He has been working with Chris who has temporarily set up a network extender that is being tested in both the DNR office and the Somes Bar work center.

 

Microsoft licensing is currently being deployed in the Happy Camp administration office.

 

Verna Reece motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve Eric’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

8.) Toni Lynn Downey, PHN:

Toni did not provide her written report for the Board to review prior to the meeting. She is present tonight to distribute it.

 

Toni explained that she has been working on outreach activities, her PHN duties and her safety officer requirements. She has been completing home visit diabetic teaching, still completing car seat safety instruction and providing seats to parents who need them; she has been preparing for the State Indian Health Review and will work with Vickie Simmons on diabetic patients that need care. The two will work with Lisa Rugg, FNP to determine if diabetic patients are receiving foot exams or eye exams. She has been working with the identified diabetics to provide diabetic education on proper or needed eye and foot exams.

 

She has reviewed the needed exit signs for the HC and Orleans facilities. She would like to go with a “green” type of sign. Tritium signs are what we currently use at the facility and they are self contained, requiring no battery or electricity. Toni has obtained quotes on the signs she would like to use and she has requested that a manufacturer send a sign so that she and Fred can evaluate the sign and its ability to be functional and feasible at our sites.

 

Verna questioned the Elders report showing their actions for the month and how their visit counts are tabulated. Flo explained that this has been questioned several times but she is willing to provide a report on how the count is done for the program to Verna. The Health Board would like to have a report on the count and each community and that report be provided to Verna. She is a new Health Board member and she is interested in understanding how the reports are done.

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve Toni’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

9.) Karen Daniels, DQMCH:

Not present. Written report provided.

 

Leaf Hillman motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Karen’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

10.) Lessie Aubrey, EDHHS:

Lessie is present to review her written report with the Health Board.

 

Lessie reviewed the income revenue for the month of February. As the EDHHS she monitors this report and attaches it to her Board report for the Health Board to review.

 

The State IHP will be conducting their review, however due to California’s budget problems the State wants us to bundle up our evaluation requirements and send them in overnight mail delivery to their office in Sacramento. The evaluation of the office will be done on one day on site. 

 

Lessie was contacted by the California health collaborative to select two employees to take a survey and attend a two hour meeting in Redding on March 18, 2009. She has forwarded this information to the clinics and also selected a staff person to attend.

 

A new committee was formed as a workgroup to work on the purchasing of a genitor for the Happy Camp complex. Patti White will chair this committee and it will be comprised several staff members, including; Erin Hillman, Eric Cutright, Chris Kleeman, Rick Hill, Hester Dillon, Toni Downey, Fred Burcell and herself.

 

The ICWA meetings are held each month and Lessie now a member of that Committee. She has personal experience with similar situations that the Committee oversees and she was surprised to see the inner workings of the committee and how many children they follow. She applauded the staff and the committee.

 

The National Association of Health Centers distributed information regarding possible funding sources within the healthcare field across the nation.

 

Lessie had a letter in response to the announcements that were made by the Happy Camp High School Principal regarding the Karuk Tribe’s services as offered to the communities. The letter will be tabled to closed session for further discussion.

 

Florrine Super motioned and Leaf Hillman seconded to approve Lessie’s report, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Non-Health Employees:

1.) Robert Goodwin, Self Governance Coordinator:

Robert provided conference information for the upcoming 2009 Annual Tribal Self-Governance Department of the Interior and Department of Health and Human Services May 17-21, 2009. He believes that the conference will be beneficial for himself, as the Self-Governance Director, to attend along with available members of the Council, Laura Mayton, Erin Hillman and possibly Lessie Aubrey as the Director of Health and Human Services.

 

Leeon Hillman motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve out of state travel to Orlando, FL May 17-21, 2009 for Robert Goodwin, Alvis Johnson, Leaf Hillman, Laura Mayton, Erin Hillman and Lessie Aubrey, 5 haa, 0 puuhara, 2 pupitihara (Leaf Hillman & Alvis Johnson).

 

Closed Session:

Leeon Hillman motioned and Leaf Hillman seconded to approve tribal equipment and resources to assist in the Ferry Point project and to also authorize payment of $960 from Council discretionary, 3 haa, 2 puuhara, (Florence Conrad & Verna Reece), 1 pupitihara (Roy Arwood). Florrine absent for vote.

 

Leeon Hillman motioned and Roy Arwood seconded to approve the loan to Tribal Member # 3928 in the amount of $3,000 with a $25 processing fee, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus: to table request from Tribal Member # 3512 to the Coos Bay session for further discussion. 

 

Leeon Hillman motioned and Leaf Hillman seconded to approve payment of $100 for Tribal Member # 741 from Third Party, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Alvis Johnson).

 

Consensus: to deny request from Tribal Member # 492.

 

Consensus: to deny a request from Tribal Member # 1766 and refer them to outside resources.

 

Leaf Hillman motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve resolution 09-R-026 authorizing submission of the Panta Rhea foundation proposal, 6 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara. (Florrine absent for vote).

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Roy Arwood seconded to approve the newsletter with changes and forward for printing, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus: to table request from Tribal Member #1343 and refer to the KTHA board.

 

Consensus: to deny the request from Tribal Member #1599.

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Leaf Hillman seconded to reimburse employee # 0842 $1,500 for charges incurred due to a request for an extension of leave, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Florence Conrad motioned and Alvis Johnson seconded to approve reimbursement of $250 to employee # 0842 for rental fees as agreed upon by providers, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus: to table the room use agreement discussion to the Coos Bay OR trip.

 

Alvis Johnson motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve Barbara Norman to assist Tribal Member # 1013 in obtaining a restraining order, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Leaf Hillman motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve out of state travel to Denver CO April 25-28, 2009 for employee # 3770 and 7225 if the budget does not allow for two travelers then the Council Member will attend, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Leaf Hillman motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to reimburse #7225 $81.50 that was deducted on charges to her visa card, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Consensus: to table sports and sponsorship requests to the Coos Bay meeting in order to review the Booster Club financial report.

 

Consensus: to table request from Tribal Member # 3068 to the Coos Bay meeting for further discussion.

 

Next Meeting: April 9, 2009 in Happy Camp at 3 PM.

 

Leaf Hillman motioned and Florence Conrad motioned to adjourn meeting at 7:34 PM, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

________________________________

Arch Super, Chairman

 

Recording Secretary, Barbara Snider