Alva Review-Courier -

During their Nov. 20 meeting, Alva Hospital Authority members learned Share Hospital, Share Convalescent and The Homestead all showed net operating profits during October.

Oklahoma medical marijuana laws were discussed at a meeting with SSM (formerly St. Anthony’s), said Share Medical Center CEO Kandice Allen. She told the Alva Hospital Authority since the federal government considers marijuana illegal this presents a dilemma for hospitals like Share that accept medical reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid. Because of this Share staff cannot dispense medical marijuana, even when provided by the patient. She said if patients bring their own medical marijuana products, those will be locked up and then returned to the patient when dismissed.

She said Share will be working to switch their clinic over to a Rural Health Clinic for better reimbursement as well as looking at implementing the 340B drug program.

Financial Report

Following months of losses, Share Hospital showed a net profit of $23,846 for October, said CFO Kevin O’Brien. The operating cash balance for October was $176,945, which represents 6.7 days of operating expenses, excluding depreciation. The hospital accounts receivable balance of $4,270,427 was an increase of $191,510 during the month of October.

The hospital accounts payable balance for October was $1,268,292, which represents 115.5 days of operating expenses excluding costs related to salaries, benefits and depreciation.

Hospital gross patient revenue for October totaled $2,238,101, which was a $122,031 increase compared to the prior month. Total patient days for October were 241 compared to 241 in September. Total clinic office visits for October were 1,710 compared to 1,251 in September.

Accounts written off to the collection agency for October were $110,611. Charity care for the month totaled $9,754.

Hospital operating expenses excluding salaries, benefits and depreciation for October totaled $417,423, an increase of $113,237 compared to the prior month.

Hospital salaries and wages for October totaled $421,320, which was an increase of $13,980 compared to September.

The hospital net operating loss for October was $58,492. However, when non-operating revenue was added, the hospital showed a net profit of $23,846. October non-operating income includes $101,747 from city sales tax.

Convalescent Home

Rita Goodrich reported the Share Convalescent Home had a net profit of $14,360 for October, compared to a profit of $13,420 in September.

The operating cash balance for October was $18,344 representing 1.9 days of operating expenses, excluding depreciation. The October convalescent home accounts receivable balance of $583,551 was a decrease of $62,263.

Gross patient revenue for October totaled $346,770, an increase of $37,105 compared to the prior month. Total patient days for October were 1,829 compared to 1,639 in September.

The convalescent home has needed increased agency staffing due to the loss of several CMAs (certified medical aides). They lost eight CMAs, mostly to enrollment in a practical nursing program. Goodrich said several of their certified nurse aides have indicated an interest in CMA training and are qualified.

Garden club members provided volunteer labor to clear the east garden area at the convalescent home. The fire alarm system has been repaired and is working correctly.

The Homestead

The annual Christmas Open House at the The Homestead is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 6. Last year approximately 150 to 200 people attended.

Director Kelly Parker reported occupancy increased by 1.3 percent compared to October 2017. The average paid nights increased by 2.2 residents or guests per night compared to the same month last year.

As of Nov. 6, there were 42 residents occupying 46 apartments including one Share Medical provider and three Share Medical contract staff. Seven residents are on unoccupied status due to health or medical issues. Two move out notices have been given.

Parker said a group has been working on a community garden at The Homestead. It’s hoped the garden will provide fresh fruit and vegetables for the kitchen with any excess being given to the food pantry.

In October The Homestead had 44 facilitated activities and 14 other activities. There were 34 calls in resident emergencies with 13 tests. Four calls were handled by staff, eight calls went to EMS with five people being transfers, and there were four false alarms. The Homestead made 41 transportation trips. In expanded services offered, there were three on monthly plans and 15 others paying a fee for services.

The Homestead is working on converting a super two bedroom into a large suite with added facilities for an invalid. The design will allow an independent spouse to care for an invalid spouse. It will feature amenities such as a walk-in whirlpool bath and a lift. Parker said the suite might be available by mid-January. He’s had some people in the community express interest and expects the suite to be rented quickly. A Share Trust grant is paying for the remodeling.

In other updating at the Homestead, the activity room countertops are installed. That was a Share Medical Center Foundation project. The second floor tile and office carpet is scheduled, a City of Alva project.

The Homestead Café served 4,652 meals during the month including 309 meals on wheels and 1,003 for the Woods County Jail.

The Homestead showed a net profit of $22,713 for October.

Other Business

The Alva Hospital Authority approved meeting dates for 2019. It was announced the employee Christmas party would be Dec. 20 at 6 p.m.