| 9/21/2009 8:57:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Hospice renews disbursement of money policy
by Jennifer Denevan
Mail Staff Writer
An updated policy regarding distribution of money donated for use by Angel of Shavano Hospice was recently approved by Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center foundation board members.
Foundation director Cathy Berdon said officials believed an update was needed to better serve needs of hospice patients. In addition, she said, volunteers were worried about how money was dispersed.
Although the money was always used for needs of hospice patients, it became important to streamline the process, Berdon said.
Lesley Fagerberg, vice president of hospital finance, said although there isn't much difference between the two policy versions, the update speeds the process.
There was worry it was taking too long to get money to patients, she said.
Volunteers were asked to join the committee as it sought input from people working directly with patients. Berdon said they identified needs not being met by hospice.
Hospice volunteer Tony Watkins said he and others participated because they want some input regarding how money is used. He said they know the needs because "volunteers are on the front lines."
They broadened the policy allowing purchase of items to ensure hospice patient comfort and care, Berdon said. Policy revision allows purchase of items not within insurance coverage.
Fagerberg said sometimes the money is used to help patients without any kind of insurance to pay bills.
The update is a year after an ownership change. Fagerberg said Hospice is a joint venture between the hospital and an outside company - originally IntegraCare.
IntegraCare was bought by Amedysis about a year ago, she said. Amedysis owns half the hospice and the hospital owns the other half.
Together, Fagerberg said, Amedysis and the hospital create a for-profit limited liability company operating hospice and Heart of the Rockies Home Health Care.
It was agreed hospital foundation board members would handle donated money because the hospice doesn't have a 501(c)(3) entity to do it. That money is kept separate from anything going to the hospital.
"There isn't any comingling of funds," she said.
Berdon said the foundation essentially works as a banker for Angel of Shavano Hospice. Requests for money are presented and money is appropriated.
"The foundation has never denied a request," she said.
There may have been earlier confusion about how the process would work during transition from IntegraCare to Amedysis, Fagerberg said. There was need for some relationship rebuilding then.
Ken Leisher, hospital chief executive officer, said it's possible there is confusion about how the money is used because of the complexity of the situation.
The joint effort is important though, he said. Without it, the hospital might not be able to offer hospice and home health care services.
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