The Flint Hills Community Health Center Board of Directors has voted to adhere to a recent federal mandate by President Joe Biden regarding mandatory vaccinations for employees.
The mandate, which is anticipated to go into effect at some time in October, requires federal workers and contractors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as well as businesses with 100 or more employees. The FHCHC Board’s decision follows the same announcement by Newman Regional Health earlier this month where CEO Bob Wright stated the hospital had no choice but to adhere to the mandate or risk a loss of funding.
FHCHC CEO Renee Hively says they are in the same position.
Hively says she is anticipating the decision could have a negative impact in terms of staffing as national trends have seen many individuals leaving their positions due to businesses choosing to enforce mandatory vaccinations.
At this time, the health center has a strong vaccination rate amongst staff of 94 percent which Hively says puts them in a great position. For staff who are unable to be vaccinated due to health reasons or other extenuating circumstances, mask use will be required in all public areas.
In other business Tuesday, the board received the health center’s financial report for the month of August which showed a $130,000 net gain bringing the year-to-date gain to more than $500,000. The gain was $123,000 higher than original budget estimates for the month.
Separately, the board reviewed and approved a number of policy updates for informed consent, reporting domestic violence and neglect, behavioral health, rehiring eligibility and protected health information. Board members also underwent a brief OSV training session and held two executive sessions.
The FHCHC Board of Directors will convene for their next monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 26 at noon inside the Havenhill Conference Room.
