RHCB moves forward with Pinedale clinic transition

by Bill Boender

The Sublette County Rural Health Care Board met in Pinedale on Wednesday, May 31, with Garry Eiden absent. The special meeting was called to discuss planning for the transition of the Pinedale Medical Clinic from contract operation under Dr. Judith Boyle to operation under the health care board.

While Boyle did not attend, three clinic employees were on hand to discuss the pending clinic operational changes with the board. Linda Grant and Nora Farrand, department heads for Boyle, and Doug Thomas, a physician’s assistant at the clinic, expressed concerns about their employment status.

The board confirmed that no contract had been negotiated with Boyle and asked that the employees continue to work under the existing organization and pay schedule until an administrator is in place. New salaries would be made retroactive to the July 1 transition date.

The clinic representatives also expressed concerns about new licenses and permits, which will be required, and the process for changing responsibilities with suppliers of drugs and all other clinic operating supplies. The board charged Administrator Randy Johnson with the responsibility of seeing that these things are addressed in a timely manner.

Farrand asked that the board adjourn to executive session to discuss personnel issues. Following that session, it was announced that the board had agreed to contract with Farrand for her services at a rate of $8,000 per month from July 1 through Sept. 11. The board expects to have details of the operational change all in place by their regular meeting scheduled for that date.