HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-26 Nurse Advocacy Task Force MinutesRECEIVED
Nurse Advocacy Task Force - Meeting Minutes TOWN CLERK
Arts & Crafts Room, Senior Center READING, MASS.
September 26, 2006
2001 ; 12 A I;P- 3
Present: James Bonazoli, Patty Chinetti, Lyn Whyte, Anne Marie Bourque, Carol Patterson,
Dawn Folopoulos (Staff, Betty Cronin. (Observer), Marcia Dresser (Observer), Paula Koppel
(Observer).
Meeting was called to order at 5:24pm by Carol
Motion by Lyn to accept the minutes of Sept. 13, 2006 2"d by Marcia
Discussion:
Preserving Advocacy Role
The groups discussed conflicts that could potential arise between programs (i.e.
agencies, town depts., etc) with differing guidelines regarding safety and/or
competency concerns.
Discussed developing a board to review cases and reports about advocate
activities and recommendations. The group could meet periodically to review
"less clear" situations and also to provide professional support for the NA. Carol
compared this idea to "quality control or peer review." Lynn raised a question
about what type of experience the board members would need to oversee these
cases.
The group established that periodic reviews of referrals would be necessary to
ensure there isn't a conflict of interest/favoritism.
Control over Program
While the only way to have complete control is for the nurse advocate to be a
town employee, as long as the nurse is held accountable to the contracting
organization AND the town via reporting structure and/or a board, we should be
assured good control. Conditions could be detailed in the contract.
Liability Concerns
According to the Paula Schena, of the Town Manager's Office, if the Nurse
Advocate is an employee of the Town, s/he is covered under the general policy.
Contractual or Partnership Model
Why would an organization consider such a venture?
• It would provide a strong link to Reading referrals (both seniors and their
caregivers)
• Private pay opportunities
• Potential to taps into HTF for income eligible
• Provides a client base which is fully connected and supported
What are benefits to town and seniors?
Organization may fund or partially fund nursing position
• Potential to have a backup provider if NA is unavailable (due to illness)
• Possibly shared space, marketing, equipment costs (medical and office
supplies)
• Gives Town strong collaborative relationship with one major provider. We
already have this with Hallmark Health VNA because of the Reading
Response program. There are disadvantages as well.
What are potential costs and/or disadvantages?
• Perception of less choice for elders but we can combat this by providing a
document of choices.
• Providers not contracted with may be less helpful
• Potential for less control over advocacy and care management
• Less control over RN
• Potential to feel less community based. However, if the NA has a work
base in Reading this could be remedied.
Costs
What are the total program costs things to consider.
• Salary
• Benefits (40% of salary) if a Town employee
• Training (more so with outsourcing)
• Office space and supplies
• Marketing
• Cell Phone
• Equipment (medical)
Future Materials
Patty suggested that NA clients be provided with a document that lists local service
providers and care/service options (i.e. agencies, pharmacies, transportation options, etc).
This document could be modeled after the Patient's Bill of Rights. The client would need
to sign verifying they received it. The purpose is to ensure the client is made aware of all
their options for services.
Meeting adjourned at 6:55pm
2