HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-13 Nurse Advocacy Task Force MinutesDECEIVED
Nurse Advocacy Task Force - Meeting Minutes RED ~ N L ERn
Arts & Crafts Room, Senior Center MASS.
September 13, 2006 Zoo' JUN 12
A !1° 43
Present: James Bonazoli, Patty Chinetti, Lyn Whyte, Carol Patterson, Dawn Folopoulos (Star,
Bob LeLacheur (Guest), Betty Cronin (Observer), Marcia Dresser (Observer), George
Lonerghan (Observer)
Meeting was called to order at 6: 1Opm
Motion by Lyn to accept the minutes of July 11, 2006 2nd by Marcia
Observer: George Lonerghan would like to be notified about all future meetings. Review
and edit follow-up letter to the Hospital Trust Fund draft copy
Upcoming meetings and locations are as follows:
Tines., September 26 - Berger Conference Room - Town Hall
Tues., October 3 - Lower Level Conference Room - Town Hall
Tues., October 17 - Berger Conference Room - Town Hall
James reminded us that the warrant for Fall Town Meeting closes on September 26 at
8:00pm. The deadline to request funding is also September 26 at 8:00pm.
James provided Bob L. with an update on the issues the task force is currently working on.
Financing the Nurse Advocacy Position
James mentioned that Camille Anthony said our task force should look to combine the
Nurse Advocacy (NA) position with Reading Response. Dawn reminded the group about
the unique advocacy role of the NA to support the elder's wishes and for that reason the
NA may need to be independent of any agency that could potential profit from the elder's
decision.
When we consider the expense of the NA position, we need to account for hours plus 40%
for employee benefits.
Bob suggested the task force look into the possibility of sharing the NA position with a
neighboring town. The Veteran's Agent is shared with Wilmington. Dawn will contact the
Wilmington COA Director to ask if the town has considered job sharing. During her visit,
the Director had mentioned the Nurse requesting additional hours.
James advised the task force that FY 2008 will be a very tough budget.
Bob question if the task force had looked into liability if the NA is a Town employee as
opposed to a contracted position. Contractors generally come with their own coverage.
Dawn will gather information about the liability of the Public Health Nurse. George has an
insurance background and cautioned us about the danger of not having sufficient insurance.
Bob also advised the task force that the Finn Comm won't consider our request with the
appropriate level of liability coverage.
When Bob served on the Hospital Development Committee, there were some residents
interested in starting and funding a new entity without the narrow options currently in place
for the Hospital Trust Fund. (i.e. Substance abuse task force)
Bob will read through the 50103 literature as utilized by the Substance Abuse Committee
to see how it may apply to the Nurse Advocacy Task Force
Outsource/Contractor
Town Budget Shared with another town
Town Employee
Solely Reading Employee
Shared with another town
5010 Fundraising - ongoing
(no Town Solely Reading Employee
Shared with another town
Grant Reapply each year
Solely Reading Employee
Other discussion
James spoke with a resident who suggested the Coordinator of Volunteers become full-time
and the transportation service be increased. Lynn believes that transportation is an
important issue and will become even more so as the senior population grows.
Patty reminded us that the new legislation allowing seniors the option to age in their homes
will create an even greater demand for the NA tasks.
Issues
- Control over the program
- Ongoing viability - sustainable funding
- Conflict of interest
- Liability
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Meeting adjourned at 7:55pm