Hospital board picks health information system provider
The Tehachapi Valley Healthcare District Board of Directors, after what has been a three year search, approved the purchase of new Healthcare Information Management System software at its meeting July 20.
The system from Healthland, currently in use at over smaller critical access hospitals was chosen over a system by McKesson, in use at larger hospitals.
Healthland will cost the hospital about $400,000 over five years including operating costs where McKesson would cost over four times more.
A proposal for long term care services and authorization to negotiate a final agreement was also approved by the board.
Dr. Susan Hall recused herself from the discussion and vote on this matter as she will be the one providing such service.
The board also approved Revised Board Bylaws.
Action on an Acoustic Imaging Services agreement was tabled as was approval of a travel reimbursement policy.
Project Manager Norm Clendenin gave board members a brief report on the status of the new hospital with OSHPOD.
He also reviewed the response to the early consultation letter, related to environmental impact.
The period for the proposed project ended on June 19. It had been distributed by the state-clearing house to 56 agencies including Native American tribes and one individual. Thirteen comment letters and forms were returned, twelve from responsible agencies and one from a private individual. Northcutt and associates is working to get additional responses and is preparing the initial study document.
William Nelson objected to portions labeling the early consultation report to be incomplete and misleading as presented and indicated he had discuss these issues with the district’s legal counsel. He did not detail his objections at the meeting.
All directors were present at the meeting, which lasted just under two hours.
The next meeting of the board is scheduled for 6 p.m., on Wednesday, Aug.17 at the the Golden Hills CSD building.
