Modoc County Grand Jury
2011-2012
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Findings & Recommendations
10 findings
F1:
- According to State records, this Camp has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the System. Reports issued by the Civil Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Penal Code Section 929
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Sheriff needs to consult with the DA’s office, and the Board of
F2:
The Jail is a County building and facility, and in need of repairs, both inside confidentiality of those who participate in any Civil Grand Jury investigation. and outside. R M c S ’ eview of odoc ounty heRiff S
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
Modoc County Administrative Officer to respond to Grand Jury with staff efficiency. documentation as to changes in the overtime/comp time issue and how it will be funded. • Department is available 24/7.
F3:
Positive cash flow for county, some restricted funds repaid. A plan for repayment of restricted funds has been developed by the Modoc County • Labor force contributions to communities, service districts and Auditor and Treasurer. This has been accepted by County Administrative conservation efforts. Officer to be submitted to the California State Attorney General for approval. • An emphasis on food, health and safety
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
It is the consensus of the 2011-2012 Grand Jury that investigation and • Department contracts with Lassen and Siskiyou Counties for outlying review of Modoc County finances must be continued by the 2012-2013 services. Modoc County Grand Jury. • Vacant staff positions in Behavior Health.
F4:
The only psychologist will be retiring. The Modoc County Department of Public Health was visited for an interview with
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
Find replacement for Psychologist before position is vacated.
F5:
Your Expectations – What result(s) do you want from the Grand Jury investigation? ________________________________________________________________________
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
A third party CPA should review pay scales and payroll issues and provide • A formal citizen complaint was filed with the Grand Jury regarding conflict recommendations to Administration. of interest between a board member and physician in the community.
F6:
Board of Directors meetings are often contentious with infighting between some Board members and Administration and/or employees. • Audio listening on line of Board of Directors Meetings • Misc. letters from legal F7. There are conflicts regarding the agenda and who can put things on the agenda and who controls the meetings. • Pay Position Report
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
At the table where Board of Directors sits for the meeting, only the • Administrator and Administrative Assistant/Human Resource person are in Administrator should be included. All others should be in chairs as part of a combined office. the public meeting. • Only two fax machines. One located in Nurse’s station is for confidential
F8:
There are conflicting procedures as to who should do the minutes. • Recent Hospital Audits
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
The position description of the Administrative Assistant/Human Resources communication with other affected county departments should occur. provides for their responsibility in taking of the minutes and maintaining a
F9:
The Medical By Laws and the Board By Laws are conflicting and outdated. • Code of Conduct Policy • Newspaper Articles F10. There are issues regarding who has the authority to contact legal for opinions. • Profit & Loss Statements
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
The Medical By Laws and Board By Laws should be reviewed and up Officer, Supervisor and the Eligibility Program Manager for an interview. This was dated. a routine Grand Jury interview per protocols. Everyone was very cooperative and informative and provided information as requested.
F11:
There are some nepotism issues. • Memorandum of Understanding between Board Member and Physician.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11:
This is a small community and nepotism issues are bound to occur. APPROACH However, to avoid the appearance of impropriety in this case and to protect Documents reviewed were: all employees, the procedures for issuing checks should be revised to include two signatures, the Administrator and the Board President. • Organizational Chart • Department Budget
F12:
Organization chart leaves out the Board of Directors as the authority over DISCUSSION the Administrator. • This was a general review of the hospital per Grand Jury standards and as a result of the citizen complaint. Facts in evidence include: F13. The Administrator relies on “teamwork” rather than relying on her own authority and responsibility. • Currently (11-1-2011 to 10-31-2012) licensed by the State of California. Not accredited. F14. After investigation through interviews and reviewing of documents, it was determined that there is no legal conflict of interest as there is no • Non Profit organization. financial gain by the Board Member, although the appearance of conflict interest still persists in the community. The hospital area consist • They do not use registry personnel. Local hires and new grads. of approximately 1500 in population which should be enough to support two doctors. The doctor should be permitted to submit his application for • 50% Medicare, 15% medical, 35% private pay/write off. hospital privileges (without the $350 fee which is not in Medical By Laws). • CT capabilities but no MRI.
Related Recommendations (1)
R12:
A new organizational chart should be produced with the Board of Directors • County Nepotism Policy at the top having authority over the Administrator per present By Laws and • County Personnel Allocation List common law. • County Conflicts of Interest Policy • Case Load Worksheets
Additional Recommendations
4
Not linked to specific findings.
R7:
The agenda should be the responsibility of the board secretary. The board medical information and one located in the hall for standard information. secretary should send drafts of agenda to other board members and Modoc County Grand Jury Report, 2012 - administration prior to the 72 hour posting. It should be posted by Facilities are adequate and well maintained. the administration after final draft is compiled, 72 hours prior to meeting. AB 109 could affect this department’s budget. Alternative plans and close
R10:
The Board By Laws state that legal advice is obtained by the Board of Directors. Therefore, no one should contact legal unless the Board AB109 could affect this department’s budget. Alternative plans and close has authorized by a majority vote. communication with other affected county departments should occur.
R13:
The Administrator should be provided with additional and complimentary training in her role of Administrator. DISCUSSION
R14:
It is recommended that the Board of Directors and the Administration Facts in evidence were: put this issue behind them and concentrate on the betterment of the hospital and community. • Electronic capabilities have been updated. New computer system connected to State information.