North Dakota EMS Association
Quarterly Board Meeting
March 10, 201612:30 PM
Ramada Hotel~Bismarck, ND
President Curt Halmrast called the Board of Directors meeting of the NDEMSA to order on March 10, 2016, at the Ramada Hotel at 12:30 PM in Bismarck, ND
Roll Call: Roll call was taken by Corrie Geurts. See attendance and voting record. A quorum of NDEMSA Board of Directors was present.
Agenda Approval: Additions to the agenda: Fire/Rescue and Education Appointee confirmation vote and American Income Life benefit. Tim Meyer made a motion, second by Jeri Warrenburg to approve the agenda. All voting aye, motion carried.
Announcements: Mona Thompson has resigned as Regional Advisor. Introductions of all the attendees.
Reading of the Previous Minutes: Correction of the date under education from 2015 to 2016 for EMS Rendezvous. Rudi Bloomquist made a motion, seconded by Ed Bina to approve the October 5, 2015 minutes. All voting aye, motion passed.
Old Business
Phase 1 Education:Randal Severson gave an update of Phase 1 education in which about 100 services have been trained. Phase 1 will conclude soon and will be looking for content for Phase 2. Kelli Sears said DEMST is working on Narcan administration for EMR’s and EMT’s. Data collection education may be needed in the future for the phase trainings.
Nominations/Election Policy: A significant change is being proposed in the nomination/election (30.30 of the policy manual) process to seek out qualified candidates. For officer position a list dating back 10 years will be compiled for those eligible. The nomination period for both officers and regional directors is July 1 to December 31 each year. The election will take place during a two week period at the end of February for all open positions. The policy change necessitates a change in bylaws for the term of office. A discussion followed on how to get more members interested in regional and statewide offices. It is the hope that this will create a more inclusive process. Loretta Haas asked for a correction in section C, number 2 and to change addition to additional. Loretta Hass made a motion to approve the policy with the one correction, second by Adam Parker. All voting aye, motion passed and policy approved.
Strategic Planning Update: Report was given on the progress of strategic goals. The leadership transition is ongoing over the next month and the policy and bylaw changes were addressed. Membership and communication objectives have work to be done to address declining membership. Social media outreach has improved with more Facebook likes and more activity on our social media accounts. The education objective was also discussed with the hiring of the new education coordinator and all regional conferences this year had improved sponsorship revenue and more exhibitors. Discussion was held on charging a fee for regional conferences to exhibit and it was determined that to continue to ask for sponsorship, door prizes, or other trades was better for our organization.
Flex Contract: Curt Halmrast explained more abou the Flex program and the dollars we have in this fiscal year. Leadership academy dollars have dwindled as there is no measurable tool to evaluate the academy effectiveness. Remaining dollars this year is for the regional CAH/EMS meetings, management training/conference, behavioral health training, medical director online training, RN to ambulance orientation program, and regional EMS transport planning meetings. Curt needs assistance in a number of these areas to complete our program activities by August 31, 2016.
Appointees: Curt Halmrast introduced Ron Lawler (Education) and Philip Anderson (Fire/Rescue) as the nominees for the appointee positions and thanked Ken Reed and Peter Christiansen for their 3 years of service. Kelly Dollinger made the motion to approve Ron Lawler and Philip Anderson as the appointees, second by Rudi Bloomquist. All voting aye, motion passed.
New Busines
Proposed Bylaw Amendments: Article IV and Article V in the election and term of office for Officers and Regional Directors necessitates a slight change due to section 30.30 of the policy and procedure manual of when the voting will occur for Officers and Regional Directors. Officers will continue to start and end their term of office during the annual meeting, however Regional Directors will have their term begin and/or terminate after final voting results have been verified by the Election Committee. This is a change from assuming office at the regional conferences to a time period that will likely occur in early March. A roll call vote was performed (see attendance and voting record) with greater than two-thirds voting in favor of the proposed bylaw amendment.
EMS of the Future Meetings: Future dates, purpose of the meetings, and discussion of the recent Dickinson meeting were discussed. Changes for future meetings included developing a better dialogue between EMS and the panel of presenters. Possibly smaller group discussion, room layout, or activities to engage those present would help. All present at the first meeting heard a lot of positive feedback, however the panel was disappointed in the dialogue received as it felt like it was more reporting what was occuring than getting feedback from attendees.
Management Training: Management conference will be held June 6-7 at the Ramada in Bismarck. Handouts of possible topics were distributed. Curt is asking for individuals who would like to serve on a steering committee or those with ideas on topics and presenters to let him know. Randal Severson, Ed Bina, Jason Eblen, Cheryl Flick, and Jeri Warrenburg volunteered to assist in planning. PCR writing, QA/QI, HR, and grant writing were suggested as possible topics.
Million Hearts: NDEMSA entered into a contract for $13,000 with the Health Department to conduct Train-the-Trainer sessions for blood pressure screening and management. A curriculum is being developed to host the session in Bismarck and then the Trainer would then train individuals in their own community on blood pressure screening and how to manage hypertension.
Seatbelt Observation Program: NDEMSA has partnered with NDSU Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute for a youth seatbelt observation program to be conducted late spring in 12 counties. Observers will note the age range, where the occupant is located, type of child protection device, and the seatbelt habit of the driver. Sites are observed for 30 minutes in hopes to achieve 30 observations. Approximately 8-10 observers will be required to complete this program and NDEMSA will seek out individuals interested.
EMS Rendezvous: The 41st conference is April 7-9. Wednesday is bag packing at 8pm at the Ramkota. Help is needed throughout Thursday and the vendor preview is that evening. Friday morning is the board picture at 7am, opening ceremony at 10:45am, and the annual meeting at 6pm. Saturday evening is the awards banquet. Dress code was discussed (Friday – polo, Saturday – button down shirt) and to please let Cheryl or Tami know when you’ll arrive and depart for hotel room needs and for assignment purposes. Discussion was also held on the exhibit hall, which is nearly full!
Proposed Rule Changes: Kelli Sears discussed some of the rule changes going forth with sunset dates on licensure levels, adding an industrial QRU licensure, and other changes required since rule changes hasn’t occurred for some time. Discussion held on when hearings will take place for rule changes for NDEMSA to be active and notify the industry of any potenial implications.
National EMS Association Meeting: Jim Restemayer reported on the meeting attended by him and Curt Halmrast in Sioux Falls, SD. Good meeting and the next annual meeting of this group is February 9-12, 2017 in Omaha, NE.
NDEMSA Leadership Change: Curt Halmrast thanked the board for their support over the 6 years as President and asked that Jim Restemayer receive the much needed support as well. On April 8th Curt will become Immediate Past President while Jim Restemayer will assume President, running unopposed. Ken Reed also ran unopposed for Secretary/Treasurer. The Vice President position will remain vacant until the next board meeting. According to bylaw this position is filled by the remaining board of directors, elected by current board of directors. There was discussion on delegating committees and work between the officers and Curt plans to remain active.
American Income Life benefit: A number of complaints have been received with the American Income Life benefit. The complaints involved A.I.L. representatives being very aggressive in their tactics and stating members will not receive benefits if they do not meet with them, which is not the case and also stating they needed the reason for which a person indicated they did not want the extra insurance. Kelly Dollinger made a motion to write a letter to American Income Life concerning their customer service and we will eliminate this benefit if their service does not improve, second by Adam Parker. All voting aye, motion passed. Curt Halmrast will draft the letter.
Partner Reports
DES: Joe Lies stated that Bank 5 training is still available and recommended. DES also has a supplemental grant. This grant will cover physical protective measures and operational communication. This grant is on their website or through your local Emergency Manager. The grant is due March 31, 2016 with grant allocation dollars spent by July 31, 2016. Joe urged those applying to get 3 bids when applying for equipment.
DEMST: Kelli Sears stated CPR is still required to be a licensed EMS provider. Protocols are in draft format but should be out by the Rendezvous. Video recording of the Dickinson EMS of the Future meeting will be posted soon; other meetings will be recorded as well. DEMST will also be transitioning from a newsletter to podcasts three times a year along with a website remodel. The northwest PI/QA project is going better. The EMS personnel registration forms will be ready soon after the Attorney General office approves verbage on felony statement questions. EMS Assistance Grants paperwork was out by March 1st and is due April 30, 2016. Thus far 22 Critical Access Hospitals received their stroke designation. The EMSC Pediatric Prepared Ambulance program currently has 12 ambulances in North Dakota designated Pediatric Prepared.
Oil Impact: No report.
EMS Advisory Council: Discussed the purposed of EMSAC and meetings are always open to the public. Discussion on rule changes and the role EMSAC plays in the various subcommittees. Next meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2016 but may be postponed.
Appointee Reports:
Education and Fire/Rescue: No reports.
Regional Conferences:
The dates of all regional conferences are included on the agenda. The NE conference moved its conference back 1 week to February 18-19, 2017.
Committee Reports
Committee Assignments: Listing of members on the various committees. Please review and notify Curt or Jim if you would like to be re-assigned.
Administration: Corrie Geurts reported that she is working on EMS Rendezvous and EMS of the Future meeting logistics. Conflict of Interest forms were given to all board members and staff.
Advocacy: Tim Meyer discussed more wins in the legislative session may be on the policy side rather than financial as it may be tough to retain our current EMS allocations. Discussion on statute change for EMS providers working in the hospital, drones, and partnership with fire on gap coverage for EMS and firefighters injured while volunteering. Discussion also held on NAEMT priorities for 4 bills in Congress.
Awards: Award deadline was March 1. Discussion held on how to get more nominees in the regional categories. Discussed giving regional awards during a conference general session in addition to the banquet, which may help bring more awareness to the awards program.
Budget/Finance: The 2015 profit and loss and balance sheet was shared. A complete 2015 report will be available at the annual meeting as the 2015 report does not show some accrued earnings.
Constitution/Resolution: Nothing to report.
Education: Nothing more to report.
Marketing/Membership: Nothing to report.
Nominations/Elections: One candidate filed for President and one for Secretary/Treasurer.
Publications (RT): Discussion held on going green, but many feel that this may hurt the organization as the magazine would not be in front of members. The click rate on emails is about 30% and concerns over the lack of readership if it is not mailed. Will continue discussion and determine if some members would like the “green” option. Next deadline is May 4th.
Service Directors: Management Conference is June 6-7.
Regional Advisors: None present.
With no further business, ______made the motion, seconded by ______to adjourn. All voting aye, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted:
Corrie Geurts
NDEMSA Director of Administration
Attendance & Voting Record: March 10, 2016
P OR A / VOTE #1 / NotesCurt Halmrast / P / --
Jim Restemeyer / P / Y
Scott Helmer / A / --
Mark Weber / A / --
Jeri Warrenburg-NW / P / Y
Jennifer Reed-NW
/ P / YTami Peterson-NW / P / Y
Diane Witteman-NW / A / --
Adam Parker-SW / P / Y
Suzan Hanson-SW / A / --
Kelly Dollinger-SW / P / Y
Linda Lindemann-SW / P / Y
Ed Bina-NE / P / Y
Rudi Bloomquist-NE / P / Y
Pat Tracy-NE / A / --
Jan Samson-NE / P / Y
Cheryl Flick-SE / P / Y
Loretta Haas / P / Y
Tim Meyer-SE / P / Y
Jason Eblen / P / Y
Ron Lawler – Education / P / Y
Philip Anderson-Fire / P / Y
Jim DeMell- Non voting / A / --
Lynn Hartman- Non voting / A / --
DEMST- Tom Nehring/Kelli Sears- Non voting / P / --
ND DES- Joe Lies- Non voting / P / --