BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Park Plaza Hotel
150 Hegenberger Road
Oakland, CA
Tuesday, October 22, 2002
10:00 a.m. to
4:30 p.m.
MINUTES
1.
Welcome & Introductions
At 10:02AM, Steve Andriese convened the meeting and welcomed those in attendance. A roundtable introduction of attendees was completed.
2.
Approval of the Agenda
No comments or changes on the agenda.
Motion: To approve agenda as
presented. M/Inch, S/Lathrop – passed
unanimously.
3.
Consent Calendar
A.
Minutes of August 2002
B.
Treasurer’s
Report
Motion: To approve consent calendar without changes. M/Petrie, S/Leonard– passed unanimously.
4.
Membership
Art Lathrop presented a
membership application for Miles Julian.
A brief discussed followed.
Board members Inch and Pletz expressed their strong support for Mr.
Julihn's application, based on past interactions and professional associations.
Motion: To accept and
approve the application for membership from Miles Julian. M/Leonard, S/Jones– passed unanimously.
5.
Financial Report - December
Vision Conference
Steve presented a brief financial report regarding the upcoming Vision conference. EMSA and EMSAAC are looking for at least 80 registrations to meet conference budget expectations.
6.
Legislative Report
Barbara Pletz distributed an
updated legislative tracking document.
This version is considered final for the legislative year. Considerable discussion followed regarding
the support that Assemblywoman Helen Thomson has provided to EMSAAC, and for
EMS and trauma issues in general. It
was agreed that award should be presented to the Assemblywoman thanking her for
her efforts and successes in EMS.
Motion: To send thank you letter and/or award gift
from EMSAAC to
Assemblywoman Helen Thomson.
M/Leonard, S/LaPolla – passed unanimously.
7.
Legislative Platform Draft
Barbara Pletz also presented
and discussed the proposed EMSAAC Legislative Platform for 2003. A platform paper was distributed.
Motion: To approve the 2003 EMSAAC legislative
platform document, as presented. M/Leonard, S/LaPolla – passed unanimously.
8.
Contract Lobbyist Cost
Estimate
Barbara explained that the task to determine a cost estimate for a contract lobbyist is not yet done. This item will be completed and presented next meeting.
9.
Update on Letter to
Organizations Re: EMSAAC Representation
Steve stated that most letters still need to be sent
out to various organizations introducing EMSAAC representatives. This action will be handled by the committee
leads within the next few weeks.
10. CHEAC & Maddy Fund
Barbara Pletz mentioned that Virginia Hastings would take the lead on working with CHEAC and the medical community in regard to Maddy Fund issues. An initial meeting has already been held with CHEAC representatives in this regard. No further information or discussions at this time.
LUNCH BREAK
11. Mission, Vision, Value Statements
Steve presented the latest draft of the Mission/Vision/Values Statement for EMSAAC. A few changes were recommended and informally agreed to by the Board. A new draft will be developed and circulated at the next meeting.
12. Ethics Committee – Chairperson /Rules / Code of Conduct
Jim McPherson (reporting in
place of the new Ethics Committee Chairman Dan Lynch, who was unable to
attend), reported on the latest version of the Code of Conduct and the
Rules. Updated documents were
distributed. A few comments and
suggestions for language changes were discussed. Comments regarding the process and an appeals mechanism were also
addressed.
It was the general consensus
that the Code of Professional Conduct document was near complete, as written,
except for Number IV - issues of individual vs. public rights of privacy. This section will need additional
clarification and possible rework.
It was decided to send all
comments to Dan for further consideration and work. It was also decided to send the final draft of the ethics
documents to legal counsel for review, prior to formal adoption.
Motion: To have the Code of Professional Conduct and
Rules reviewed by legal counsel prior to adoption. M/Petrie S/ Pletz – passed
unanimously.
13. EMSAAC Phone Number / Address
Art Lathrop discussed the
issue of establishing a consistent method for EMSAAC address and phone number
maintenance.
It was discussed that a
mailbox, with mail forwarding, could be established for about $216 per
year. A Sacramento or Martinez address
was proposed.
Phone service for EMSAAC was
also discussed. An “Access Line”
service was described. Cost for this
services is about $334 per year, plus $40 set up cost. This service includes voice, fax and voice
messages.
Motion: To approve the services proposed, both phone
and mailbox, with Sacramento address. M/Lathrop, S/Jones – passed unanimously.
Art Lathrop also discussed
the issue of providing insurance for the EMSAAC Board of Directors. A quote was
received for $2,000,000 of insurance, to include general and aggregate, with
$1,000,000 per incident cap for board of directors professional liability
insurance. The quote was $1,070 per
year. It was agreed that this quote
seemed high, and to continue research (receive additional quotes) and get back
to Board at the December meeting with a recommendation.
14. 2003 Conference – Update
Nancy LaPolla presented an
update on the upcoming EMSAAC conference in San Diego. The theme will be “EMS
as an Essential Public Service”. The
program will include particular emphasis on trauma.
Conference dates: May 1-2,
2003 in San Diego (at the Bahia Hotel).
Motion: To approve sending in deposit to the hotel
and approve final negotiation of contract. M/Lathrop/S/Pletz – passed
unanimously.
Motion: No EMSAAC money will be spent on any golf
tournament at the upcoming conference. -
M/LeVenton, S /Jones– passed unanimously.
A draft conference budget
also presented and reviewed. The budget shows $43,000 in projected revenue, and
$42,000 in projected expenses. Nancy
expressed her interest to increase sponsorship dollars in order to support
conference as a whole.
State EMS
Authority Report (Taken out of order and moved earlier in the Agenda)
Richard Watson, Interim Director of State EMSA, discussed the following topics.
§
The
agenda for the upcoming National EMS Authority conference was reviewed.
§
Vision
Conference Update – EMSA staff working on final preparations.
§
Governance
– Committee preparing recommendations for presentation at Vision Conference.
§
EMT-II
Regulations – in process.
§
Single
EMT certification test process – in process.
§
EMD
Standards – still in draft form and requiring additional process for input.
§
State
budget update – the State is currently running a deficit budget that may
require significant expense reductions and/or tax increases next fiscal year.
§
EMSA
Staff assignments - updates on staff assignments.
§
Poison
Control Centers - an RFP for a single poison control center for the State is
being released.
15. Budget Committee- Other Revenue Sources
No new information presented at this time.
16. Bylaws – Update/Address Change
Continued to next meeting.
17. EMSAAC Org and Management Committee
Membership / Professional
Development:
Nancy LaPolla presented a brief report in professional development.
EMS Funding: It was mentioned that it
will be important to legislate “EMS as an essential service” concept to secure
adequate funding levels during the budget crisis. It was also mentioned that the EMS funding crisis in Los Angeles
is being presented to the voters to solutions.
Medical Director Standards: After a brief discussion,
it was determined that it remains desirable to approach EMDAC to see if they
would like to take this issue. No new
information to report at this time.
There are still no standards for Medical Directors of LEMSA. Training needs and standards should be
identified.
18. CCLHO Affiliate Membership
Steve Andriese to be liaison at the CCLHO, backed up by Nancy LaPolla. EMSAAC affiliate membership has confirmed.
19. General Report – External Committees
Leonard Inch reiterated that letters still need to go out to external groups that introduces the EMSAAC liaison and welcomes working with group.
Leonard went on to discuss
HIPPA compliance issues and planning concepts for HIPPA compliance and
standardization within EMS. The system evaluation and improvement process
identified a need to assess impact of HIPPA and need to create a plan for
compliance. It was mentioned that a possible
grant opportunity existed to study potential HIPPA impacts to EMS. Legal issues and interpretation of the law
are considered most critical at this time.
State EMSA expressed their concern regarding high cost associated with
getting an opinion from the State Attorney General. San Mateo County and Sierra Sacramento Valley Region will
investigate the issue initially on behalf of all LEMSA’s before a request is
made for an opinion to State Attorney General.
Questions to be formulated before a meeting takes place.
Barbara Pletz then presented
a brief report on the governance vision process. She is looking forward to participating in the Governance
Committee meeting in Sacramento on November 13. Subsequently, a report will be issued and presented at the
December Vision conference.
20. EMT-II Regulations
Nothing to present at this time.
21. EMSAAC Staffing and Training Committee
Steve Andriese, on behalf on Debbie Becker, presented a brief report on the Staffing and Training Committee activities.
22. General Report - External Committees
Nothing to present at this time.
23. Presentation on State Communication Plan and PRISM Project
Carol Biancahana, State
EMSA, presented a PowerPoint presentation on a State EMSA sponsored
communications development project. In
summary, the key action points include: initiate a communication advisory
committee with EMSAAC, CAL Fire Chief’s, communications technology personnel,
and OES staff. Also, refer project to
EMSAAC disaster medical group, and form ad hoc subcommittee as necessary.
In addition, there was
considerable discussion on EMS mutual aid communications. It was decided to work with the EMSAAC
disaster group to develop a short-term fix for EMS mutual aid communications. The first task will be to develop objectives
and needs that are clearly identified.
Develop a timeline that reflects the immediate need of the
system.
Motion: To establish the EMSAAC Communications
Committee to address immediate needs of EMS
mutual aid communications. Doug Buchanan to chair committee. All efforts
regarding EMS mutual aid communications to be coordinated with the EMSAAC
Disaster Committee. M/Lathrop, S/Jones
– passed unanimously.
24. EMD Guidelines Update (taken out of order)
It was reiterated that the EMSAAC position is still to oppose the EMD guidelines, as currently drafted. Apparently, law enforcement is in favor of this document as written. It was noted that this document has not yet received legal review. Medical control portion of the document is the primary issue and concern of EMSAAC. Statue and regulations do not support the medical control basis in this document. At this point, this is a Vision document and not a new draft regulation or law. It is scheduled for the Commission agenda in December, to approve for public comment.
25. General Report (Communications) – External Committees
No information to present at this time.
26. General Report (Response and Transport) – External Committees
No information to present at this time.
27. TMAC Function and Purpose
This is a new hospital
sponsored statewide trauma forum, with LEMSA trauma coordinator
involvement. Political interests
identified as a key priority at this time.
Gwen Jones has been assigned as EMSAAC liaison and will attend the
meetings.
28. Nurse Ratio Comment Period
First, Jan Ogar gave an
update on this issue. There are many
different configurations of nurse staffing at base and receiving hospitals.
MICN / radio nurses/ triage / trauma nurses are not typically figured into the
staffing ratios. Recommend that EMSAAC
encourage flexibility with staffing in the ED setting.
Leonard Inch then presented
additional comments. He recommended
that a letter be sent from the EMSAAC President stating that we “need
clarification” in relation to EMS and base hospital requirements for staffing
ratios, in order to assess impacts.
Motion: To send letter in
order to express comments only on EMS related concerns, not on ratios per
se. Leonard, Jan, and Barbara to work
on drafting letter, and send via email to EMSAAC Board prior to sending out.
M/Leonard, S /Petrie – passed unanimously.
29. Controlled Substance Resupply Survey
Doug Buchanan discussed the results of a survey regarding the on-going concerns of narcotic resupply at hospitals. The completed survey is posted on the EMSAAC Website.
30. EMSAAC Fac & Critical Care Committee - Diversion Policy
It was decided to transition this project from Virginia Hastings to Gwen Jones. Gwen discussed the project as it exists today. Request for volunteers to assist in completing project
In this light, new project
participants are as follows (in addition to Gwen):
§
Bruce
§
Jan
§
Jim
31. General Report (Facilities and
Critical Care Services)– External Committees
No information to present at this time.
32. HIPPA Requirements
This matter was discussed under Agenda Item No. 19.
33. General Report (System
Evaluation and Improvement)– External Committees
No new information to present at this time.
34. General Report (Public Education and Prevention) – External Committees
Nancy presented a brief overview on behalf of Jan
and Michael.
35. HRSA Grant Committee
Darlene was not in attendance to discuss this topic. No new information available.
36. Statewide Disaster Standards Project
Doug Buchanan gave an overview on this project, which is now winding down. Final work products will be distributed soon.
37. Ambulance Strike Team Report
Doug Buchanan also gave an overview of this project. This concept/project is being addressed jointly by the State EMSA and EMSAAC.
38. EMSAAC Disaster Committee Report
§
Standardized
All Hazard Response Standards
§
Mutual
Aid Model /Standards
§
Triage
/ Dispersal Standards
§
Model
EOC / DOC MB Guidelines
§
Disaster
Training and Cert Standards
§
Disaster
Communications
§
Terrorism
/ WMD Standards
Doug presented a report on
the committee’s progress. The committee held a meeting just prior to the EMSAAC
Board meeting in Alameda County. Please
see committee minutes and notes for detailed information on agenda and actions.
39. General Report (Disaster
Preparedness)– External Committees
No new information to presented.
40. Future Meeting Dates
It was announced that the
next meeting of EMSAAC will be December 3, 2002, in
San Francisco.
41. Roundtable
San Diego County: Trauma system assessment started. Abaris Group selected as the contractor. Computer data system project also underway and a selection of vendor underway.
El Dorado County: New administrative team in
County. Report being developed for the
Board of Supervisors on EMS system.
Attending meetings to meet stakeholders and develop new strategic plan
for EMS Agency.
Contra Costa County: New plan under development
to better integrate fire first response ALS with private ambulance
providers. Contracting with Fitch and
Associates for project assistance.
Alameda County: New contract with local
hospitals to re-design medical control.
Also working on project to publish response times. New program to conduct trauma audits
underway.
Marin County: New EMS Specialist
position filled. ACS completing
countywide trauma system audit/review.
Bioterrorism preparedness program initiated. Considering the elimination of the MICN program.
CAL Chief’s: Looking forward to
continued work with EMSAAC in 2003.
Monterey County: In process of completing
the local visioning process. AMR has
served notice of contract termination.
Mountain Valley Region: Development of new
bioterrorism and chemical terrorism related treatment policies. Local EMCC review by County Counsel led to
concerns about membership of committee.
Possible conflict of interest issues.
Trauma Plan development nearing completion. Goal to develop a single countywide system status management
plan. GPS going into all ambulances
countywide.
Santa Clara County: New EMS Medical Director
hired. Recently finished trauma system
review process.
Ventura County: Starting a process to update ambulance ordinance in County. May have ambulance contract out to bid in future. New deputy administrator hired.
San Mateo County: Issues regarding
litigation on contract selection resolved.
Much activity with bioterrorism planning. New health disaster planner hired by department. Very interested in pursuing mental health
assessment team model for response.
Santa Barbara County: Now can receive CAD
information for contract compliance.
Negotiating last EMS contract with ALS provider. Trauma coordinator position vacant. Started selection process for bioterrorism
preparedness position.
Kern County: Diversion issues still
high priority. New trial diversion
policy implemented. Bioterrorism program
also an emphasis within the agency. Pursuing national accreditation for local
personnel. New PCR/MDT project.
Recruiting for trauma nurse coordinator.
Coastal Valleys Region: New EMS Agency staff
members announced. Redwood Empire
Dispatch and Communications Authority (REDCOM) JPA entity formed for joint
fire/EMS dispatching.
42. Future Agenda Items
It was agreed that EMSAAC Bylaws would be on the next agenda.
43. Adjournment (4:10PM)
Members /
Guests in Attendance
10/22/02
|
Cindy
Abbissinio |
Alameda
County EMS Agency |
|
Steve
Andriese |
Mountain-Valley
EMS Agency |
|
David
Baumstark |
Kern
County EMS Department |
|
Douglas
Buchanan |
Mountain-Valley
EMS Agency |
|
Mike
Duvall |
Coastal
Valleys EMS Agency |
|
Jean
English |
Cal
Fire Chief’s Northern Division |
|
Barry
Fisher |
Ventura
County EMS Agency |
|
Michael
Frenn |
Solano
EMS Cooperative |
|
Leonard
Inch |
Sierra-Sac
Valley EMS Agency |
|
Gwen
Jones |
San
Diego County EMS Agency |
|
Miles
Julihn |
El
Dorado County EMS Agency |
|
Nancy
LaPolla |
Santa
Barbara County EMS Agency |
|
Art
Lathrop |
Contra
Costa County EMS Agency |
|
Bruce
Lee |
Coastal
Valleys EMS Agency |
|
Chris
LeVenton |
Monterey
County EMS Agency |
|
Jim
McPherson |
Santa
Clara County EMS Agency |
|
Sarah
Momsen |
Inland
Counties EMS Agency |
|
Jan
Ogar |
San
Mateo County EMS Agency |
|
Troy
Peterson |
Marin
County EMS Agency |
|
Michael
Petrie |
San
Francisco EMS Agency |
|
Vickie
Pinette |
Placer
County (SSV EMS) |
|
Barbara
Pletz |
San
Mateo County EMS Agency |
|
Dan
Spiess |
Northern
California EMS Agency |
|
Jennifer
Follis |
Monterey
County EMS Agency |
|
Greg
Dukart |
Monterey
County EMS Agency |
|
Richard
Watson |
State
EMS Authority |
|
Mike
Potter |
Riverside
County EMS Agency |
|
Maureen
McNeil |
State
EMS Authority |
|
Carol
Biancahana |
State
EMS Authority |