Region 1

Mark Harrison

Present

Region 2

Nell Thomas

Present

Region 3

Jim Inman

Absent

Region 4

Mike Swift

Absent

Region 5

Barry Brown

Present

Region 6

Sherman Hockenbury

Present

Region 7

Mark Bailey

Present

Region 8

Steve Becraft

Absent

Region 9

Terry Fraley

Absent

Region 10

Michael Mason

Absent

Region 11

Joe Bradshaw

Present

Region 12

Terry Akin

Absent

Region 13

Duane Lee

Present

Region 14

Wendell Hatfield

Absent

Region 15

Rodney McKibben

Absent

Region 16

Bob Gainer

Present

At Large

Joe Prewitt

David Webb

David Shanks

John Blumenstock

Jamie Locke

Absent

Present

Resigned

Present

Present

Others Attending

A sign-in sheet is on file.

ITEM

DISCUSSION

ACTION

Call to Order

President Joe Bradshaw called the meeting to order with a quorum being present.  It was noted that several members and guests attended a KAPA workshop on the previous day to discuss a variety of issues important to the board.

Minutes Approval

Mark Harrison presented copies of minutes from the previous meeting.  With no discussion, a motion to accept was made by J. Blumenstock and second by B. Gainer.

Motion passed

Treasurer's Report

Jamey Locke presented the Treasurer's report and copies were distributed to the board.  Current balance in the conference fund is $6487.18, current balance in the general fund is $14,496.01, CD #1 $12,492.25, and the old checking account balance is $98.37.  Total balance is $33,573.81.  Motion to accept by B. Gainer and second by N. Thomas.

Motion passed

Old Business

Display Board- Jamey Locke presented information about several different types of display boards to be used by KAPA.  Also, Mark Harrison presented information and pricing for an enclosed utility trailer to be used to store and transport the many items that KAPA has accumulated.  Following much discussion a motion by J. Locke and second by J. Blumenstock for Jamey and Mark to purchase a display board and trailer so long as the combined cost does not exceed $5,000.

Joe Bradshaw mentioned that he is still waiting on additional information regarding the 17 State Coalition but that KAPA will participate.  He will mail a letter as soon as possible to the KAPA membership explaining the Coalition and requesting that each member pay a volunteer assessment fee of $150.

Motion passed

Conference Report

Joe Bradshaw, conference chair gave a general update to the board.  It looks like Pete Collins will be the guest speaker.  The final details are being worked out.  Raymond Eldridge (Jr) is working with the corporate sponsors.

Mark Bailey is working to get Governor Fletcher to speak at the opening general session.

None needed

CMS Update

Sherman Hockenbury spoke in the absence of Mike Swift.  He reminded everyone that there is to be a 1% Medicare increase for ambulance services effective July 2004.  This was included in the Medicare drug bill.

The group discussed the adverse affect that low Medicaid reimbursement is having on Kentucky's ambulance providers and reviewed reimbursement rates in KY, WV, OH, & IN.

Joe will try to set up a meeting with Gov. Fletcher both to introduce him to KAPA and to explain about our organization and to alert him and his staff to this growing Medicaid problem.

None needed

Legislative Update

James Ritchey could not be present but Joe stated that James is still planning to represent KAPA and is working to present a draft of proposed legislative changes for the boards review and approval at the September meeting.

None needed

Board Vacancy

Joe reported that David Shanks (at-large member) was no longer with Somerset EMS and that Chuck Fowler had expressed an interest in serving.  Motion by J. Locke and second by M. Harrison to appoint Chuck Fowler to the remainder of the at-large term.

Motion passed

Nomination Committee

Bob Gainer reminded the President that according to the By-Laws, he should appoint a nominations committee to prepare for the upcoming board election in September.  Motion to select this committee by B. Gainer and second by J. Blumenstock.  Appointed to serve is: Barry Brown, Chair; David Webb, Jim Inman, David Mather, and Doyott White.

Motion passed

State of EMS in KY

As noted earlier, there is growing concern about the low rate of Medicaid reimbursement and how Kentucky's rates fall far below that of many bordering states.  Equally, there is continual concern regarding the manner in which the Kentucky Board of EMS and office staff including the leadership is addressing a variety of issues directly affecting Kentucky's ambulance providers.  A lengthy debate ensued regarding these and other issues.  Finally, a motion by Sherman Hockenbury and second by David Webb that KAPA adopt a resolution that in very plain language addresses our most vital concerns and that it be taken to the Governor.  The resolution was drafted and voted upon by the board.

A copy of the signed resolution will be distributed to the board.

Motion passed

Adjournment

A motion to adjourn was made by M. Harrison and second by N. Thomas at 12:15 pm.

Motion passed