No clarification on KBEMS yet
KBEMS Board meets in closed executive session for almost three hours

By JOHN HULTGREN
Kentucky EMS Connection

VERSAILLES — After meeting almost three hours in a closed executive session with two attorneys, the Kentucky Board of EMS adjourned at 6 p.m. and scheduled a special board meeting for May 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the KCTCS campus in Versailles.

The board did not reveal the topic of discussion in the closed session.

Earlier in the board meeting, the director of human resources for KCTCS explained that KCTCS would receive applications for the vacancy created by KBEMS executive director Brian Bishop. Bishop announced his resignation on April 12 and gave two months notice. KCTCS reportedly suspended Bishop and board attorney Kyle Thompson with pay on April 27, according to sources that wish to remain anonymous, but that action has not been confirmed by KBEMS or KCTCS.

The KCTCS human resources director explained that after applications are received, the KBEMS personnel committee will interview applicants and recommend three. The KBEMS board will then select one applicant from the three recommended by the committee, pending final approval by KCTCS.

A job posting announcement for the position of KBEMS System Director was obtained by the Kentucky EMS Connection today. Acting KBEMS executive director Ashley Davis showed the Kentucky EMS Connection an e-mail, which originated from KCTCS, stating that arrangements had been made with the Kentucky EMS Connection to publish the job posting. However, the Kentucky EMS Connection is not aware of any attempt by KCTCS to arrange publication of the job posting.

Following the meeting, KCTCS chancellor Dr. Keith Bird told the Kentucky EMS Connection that he would "make it a priority" to answer a list of questions the Kentucky EMS Connection submitted last week concerning current developments and future plans for KBEMS.

In other business:

• The board authorized Davis to explore medical liability insurance for staff driving marked KBEMS response vehicles. Davis explained that when KBEMS transitioned to KCTCS' insurance policy, their medical liability insurance was cancelled.

• At a request from Barren-Metcalfe County EMS, the board approved an ambulance refurbishment, to include an engine with warranty, with specific approval by the board, to the Senate 66 bill approved funding list. This request was made because of problems obtaining new ambulances from Ford Motor Company.

• Approved a staffing waiver, limited to six months, for STATCARE.

• Approved a $5,000.00 contribution to the Kentucky EMS Conference and Expo, for which KBEMS is a sponsor.

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