[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6626989,"mediaKeyId","2733124-f671d0eecb179588b68b003020922c4c","parentId",2733124,"title","Board debates possible forensic audit into past finances, tables spending while it checks insurance coverage","audioSeconds",2082,"startMs",6208000,"endMs",8290000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2733124-f671d0eecb179588b68b003020922c4c&start=6208&end=8290","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2733124-f671d0eecb179588b68b003020922c4c/thumbnail_6208000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6626989/Weston-County/Wyoming/Board-debates-possible-forensic-audit-into-past-finances-tables-spending-while-it-checks-insurance-coverage","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6626989-d8d490048d873c17bea9451d00be4852/orig.mp4?Expires=1770948453&Signature=ZF8ukQd9h1gk1N5nHN0HeGE5S7ZqlZH~yIyoVzGNnavnqG5hA4XxSs9b1vv0Q8Y2JNcRRpo6b-FmnTAzJhYzRt1Nz1~FjtnKACaRr9BcsWpZoxukljRMmoc2XNoByvi-X32SC6PTG0TadNlvL0uCYVmmbPS7d-ym7inFK6J1IlE-MZ7V~98zZymB72bSP3yCrW36mXUhalSxTRAkVueRrTRRFJhlDxIcaiZjtk2MOwbG9T8jy8hYoe9dHCNRXXa-pZHPhAvuLiBRS64fXHDQvIc3GjsKMZjZ1tGgA-61Qw6D5uo7rcIlwTANWFkk9oyhkw-ofDX8OJNUBJShwkouqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Weston County","date","2025-03-22T05:01:48.287Z","article","Trustees debated whether to hire an external forensic accountant to investigate discrepancies in historical hospital financial records, with estimates ranging from roughly $75,000 to more than $200,000 depending on scope. After lengthy discussion the board voted to continue the conversation as ongoing old business while staff pursues whether the hospital’s management‑liability insurance would cover some or all costs.

Chief Executive Officer Kathy outlined preliminary contacts with six firms that do forensic accounting and described the common phased approach: document requests, interviews, data analysis and a preliminary report that could lead to deeper review if investigators found evidence requiring it. Prices for an initial phase ranged from a quoted $6,000 (limited, conditional engagement) to firms that estimated $75,000–$100,000 for a full first phase; staff cautioned that a full engagement including litigation support could rise to roughly $250,000 depending on scope.

Kathy told trustees she is also checking management‑liability insurance language to see whether the policy would cover forensic review costs. “We have a $1,000,000 policy,” she said, and staff will confirm whether and how the policy might apply. If insurance would cover the work, she said a forensic audit would be more feasible.

Trustees split on next steps. Some argued the board’s highest priority should be returning the hospital to fiscal stability and not spending large sums on a retrospective probe while the facility needs operating cash. Others said an investigation could clear management and the board or identify criminal conduct that should be pursued; several noted that criminal investigators (local prosecutors, FBI) typically require credible preliminary analysis before opening a case.

After extended debate a trustee moved to table the item to old business and asked staff to seek limited‑scope cost estimates and to research insurance coverage. The motion passed. The board instructed staff to report back with (1) what the insurance policy would cover and (2) prices for a limited, high‑level forensic scoping review rather than an immediate full forensic engagement.

Why it matters

Board members framed the discussion as a choice between (a) spending down limited reserve or operating cash to pursue an expensive forensic engagement now, and (b) waiting until finances are stabilized or until insurance coverage is confirmed. Trustees emphasized the public interest in transparency and the need to preserve the hospital’s operating viability.

Ending

The board left the issue on the agenda as old business; staff will return with insurance analysis and a scope/cost estimate for a limited, high‑level forensic scoping review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Weston County Health Services Board of Trustees regular meeting. Thursday, March 20, 2025.","oneSentenceSummary","Trustees debated whether to hire external forensic accountants to examine prior years’ finances and voted to table immediate spending while staff checks the hospital’s insurance coverage and collects limited scoping estimates.","taxTitle","Weston County, Wyoming","taxId",28920,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6626992,"Board authorizes lease for new hospital desktops and laptops after debate over lease vs. buy",807,4735000,5542000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2733124-f671d0eecb179588b68b003020922c4c&start=4735&end=5542","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2733124-f671d0eecb179588b68b003020922c4c/thumbnail_4735000.jpg","/articles/6626992/Weston-County/Wyoming/Board-authorizes-lease-for-new-hospital-desktops-and-laptops-after-debate-over-lease-vs-buy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6626992-d8e1352c0c65d089585426dc2c6348d4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770948453&Signature=LcjBT7Z8bu7rC5m4gxViiUmwHTTYAkXzQc4neQA7RvC0QZTDpbCJjsld9Dw2biWNilwFe2ZEgKoDHr85H-zr6Vrpz3Ug-JINnIvbiLlfhYAr4QPHOgPJg00wdXUCdEjJ7QTTbkbi7gV~Ofe2POebpkRF-WQC6ifCd8TRMY1SNei2OPCq58CVLdDaRSsS4WDXEcWjHT391Mv49wgvNTGoSMezU-yUIvpUODZ8OkErzAb7liQQWs2vTtJx8BYV1cZcfvR8LkT8PmvuoHCzLHzavHLSxXNMxdm5zyE5P4oyQo08O4WD3IVG3Lb~1snhgc51JquYJ8K4S0OVo1KvthMSVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Weston County Health Services trustees voted to authorize the CEO to sign lease commitments for new desktop and laptop computers for the hospital, after staff described the cost, warranty terms and operational benefits of leasing.

Chief Executive Officer Kathy outlined two proposals for replacement of 96 units: 60 desktops and 36 laptops. Under the lease option presented, the hospital would pay monthly amounts that include warranty and replacement coverage — desktops on a five‑year term and laptops on a three‑year term — and staff said leased equipment would be replaced under warranty if it failed. Kathy described the arrangement as providing continuous warranty coverage and predictable monthly payments.

Board members discussed the math and compared the lump‑sum purchase price to the lease total. One board member noted the lease had an estimated premium (roughly $8,000 over purchase cost across the fleet in staff calculations) but would provide on‑site replacement and warranty coverage. Kathy said desktops would carry five‑year coverage and laptops three‑year coverage under the proposed contract.

A trustee moved that the CEO be authorized to sign the lease commitments for both laptops and desktops at the amounts shown in the proposal or for more favorable terms, and the motion was seconded. After discussion, the board approved the authorization.

Why it matters

Trustees framed the lease as a way to manage capital outlays, obtain guaranteed warranty and replacement service, and avoid the operational risk of failing equipment. Staff said recent increased failures made a replacement strategy urgent.

Ending

Kathy was authorized to sign the leases or accept more favorable terms; staff will return to the board with final contracting details as needed.","Trustees authorized the CEO to sign a lease covering 96 computers (60 desktops, 36 laptops). Staff said the lease spreads cost and includes multi‑year warranties and full‑replacement support; the board approved the lease authorization.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6626996,"Weston County Health Services reports progress on 2024 audit, inventory system and cash controls",1430,1110000,2540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2733124-f671d0eecb179588b68b003020922c4c&start=1110&end=2540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2733124-f671d0eecb179588b68b003020922c4c/thumbnail_1110000.jpg","/articles/6626996/Weston-County/Wyoming/Weston-County-Health-Services-reports-progress-on-2024-audit-inventory-system-and-cash-controls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6626996-35ee12503cbba6143744fc035b84c40e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770948453&Signature=ozB2VoqA1H0En3VN59QT5qIO2Rdct1ldKrhdZbNM6jqLXruR4O2WRfy1RmXke5XRfDVd33qwTvqkcWNMUeUZUmThmLiQr8odW~myDpQTq10Q8~ZZTOTos0XuMgeNqeQVuTG2cp~sKNyHneRdbsmKN2ahs9R7d7Xd5OQKOmj5yneWRiyC-j5jRZPhyqFHCzIrUMj-E9hnk~vqbnx5FgIgZy91ofZPRn95ErZkoAx~MYei7awsCasuEYPepaqy~eNm6OUdb9JqmnzQO5C1xa3qQZHmrE6oOonFliHu4vOOQa3VTHJV7w2F-ueasyuJM~3Rq3yG1FQ07Sw9SWziEuBnhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Weston County Health Services staff told the board they have advanced work on the hospital’s 2024 financial audit, tightened cash‑management procedures and expect to go live on a new inventory system within weeks.

The updates came during the board’s March finance report, when Chief Financial Officer Tish (reported name) said auditors have begun receiving updated files and the finance office is correcting trial balance postings and GL mapping issues. “We are making good progress,” Tish said. She said most department managers have provided required documentation and that work is ongoing to reconcile posting errors caused during the switch to Sage.

The report said the hospital has addressed several operational points that had affected reconciliation: Epic transmissions to the general ledger had hit bad GL numbers, producing transmission errors; the finance team tracked and reduced accounts payable to about $298,000 with most invoices aged 0–30 days; and the business office has begun emailing invoices to department managers for electronic approval.

Tish said the hospital has engaged a new website vendor to meet CMS price‑transparency requirements and has been in contact with Renee Richards, the hospital’s CMS price‑transparency representative. “As long as we keep a contract, they will let us continue so we can get our new website up and running with all of the requirements embedded in it,” Tish said. She told the board CMS agreed to an extension while the hospital completes its site and required root file elements.

Inventory and billing systems

Tish and the board discussed implementation of Sage inventory and problems moving historical and posting data from Epic. Tish said Wendy, the project manager, Jason Fair (new materials manager) and other staff completed historical data entry and that a vendor representative estimated a 4–6 week timeline from March 2 to a live inventory system that would track department charges and patient billing.

“That will allow us to maintain inventory appropriately, charge our departments and appropriately charge our patients,” Tish said, adding the go‑live date depends on a final check for missing items.

Pharmacy and recoveries

Pharmacy director Suzanne reported a recent initiative to return short‑dated product to manufacturers produced roughly $70,000 in cost savings for the quarter, with about $14,000 recorded as waste because manufacturers do not always reimburse full purchase value. Tish credited the pharmacy director with supervising the program and presenting flow charts of the process for board review.

Cash flow and receivables

Tish presented a tentative cash‑flow projection and said the nursing‑home Medicaid receipts are expected to create spikes in deposits until enrollment stabilizes. She said the finance office found a $1,700 variance tied to credit‑card bank postings and is reprocessing transmissions after a software update. The board was shown AR days for the hospital (reporting hospital AR days at roughly 49.5 days) and Tish said future reports will combine hospital and clinic receivables so the board can see a total AR days figure by payer type.

Audit and intermediaries

Tish said Novitas, the Medicare intermediary for the clinics, completed a desk review; the hospital received about $47,000 and Novitas later recouped $42,000 during their review, an outcome Tish described as “industry standard.” Meridian, the hospital’s Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC), had not yet completed its desk review. Tish said the finance team set aside the cost‑report receipts pending potential recoupment and corrections.

Why it matters

Hospital leaders told trustees they are closing long‑running accounting gaps, improving invoice workflows and deploying an enterprise inventory system that should increase revenue capture and departmental transparency. The board requested future reports with a monthly bank balance snapshot and clarified additional detail the board wants on AR breakdowns by payer and department.

Ending

Board members asked for continued updates on the Sage go‑live timeline, the CMS website rollout and any remaining reconciliation items. Tish said she will provide revised financial reports and cash‑flow projections to the board for review at upcoming meetings.","Hospital staff told the board they are advancing the 2024 financial audit, improving accounts payable and receivable processes, preparing a new price-transparency website for CMS, and expect to bring a Sage inventory system online within weeks.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6626980,"Votes at a glance: Weston County Health Services Board actions on meeting dates, minutes, CHNA and computer lease",3327,293000,3620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2733124-f671d0eecb179588b68b003020922c4c&start=293&end=3620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2733124-f671d0eecb179588b68b003020922c4c/thumbnail_293000.jpg","/articles/6626980/Weston-County/Wyoming/Votes-at-a-glance-Weston-County-Health-Services-Board-actions-on-meeting-dates-minutes-CHNA-and-computer-lease","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6626980-89fe06a1ec418d89d4ea9821ef5be60b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770948453&Signature=dW5gfJW3fHXkcMmE3uyy9luJ41dQRlx-a9k43MWebFJA6NTsi7fizCRP9eQSJrSNl0swvT6veqnA3IefCHTp2eQWSpCiTqLa56hwdOMotr7VOThqLLI-3~12VDOhs7-DqrDRupvxskp9TdZjaM-2x0eKeHjj4VSXiu1lGDHkYsPNsizYmnFXDGHksQUUaoqEFAvTRfRCV1Am4~K08w8czn9fL1HAE1fI~J4Uz93xvaPUUS5bhCCFZTQOuwvFXXF79qA~phgA0VJjsDzRA3qYedTSq52KOIJDewTpX2Em-yABqrDpdoXSNvQye95I8mNvDgyP6dsXrJRdiy3GzVgf1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Weston County Health Services Board of Trustees took the following formal actions during its March meeting:

- Approved a change to the regular May meeting date, moving the May meeting to May 22, 2025. Trustees discussed calendar conflicts and committee meeting timing before passing the motion. (Motion moved and seconded; recorded as passed in meeting.)

- Approved revised minutes for the February meeting with specified wording edits. The board voted to accept the minutes with the proposed changes. (Motion moved and seconded; recorded as passed.)

- Accepted the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) presented by consultant David Zimbo and instructed staff to post the CHNA and integrate its findings into strategic planning. (Motion moved and seconded; recorded as passed.)

- Authorized the CEO to sign lease commitments for both desktop and laptop computers as presented, or for more favorable terms. Staff noted the lease provides multi‑year warranty and replacement coverage; trustees approved authorization. (Motion moved and seconded; recorded as passed.)

- Voted to table any immediate spending on a full forensic audit and to keep the topic on old business while staff researches management‑liability insurance coverage and obtains limited‑scope scoping estimates from forensic accounting firms. (Motion moved and seconded; recorded as passed.)

Note on vote tallies: The meeting record included voice votes for these motions. A roll‑call tally with named votes was not recorded in the transcript for each motion; the board minutes should be consulted for specific counts if a roll call is required.","At its March meeting trustees approved several procedural and program items: changes to the agenda/minutes handling, acceptance of the Community Health Needs Assessment, and authorization for the CEO to execute computer lease agreements. They also voted to table consideration of a forensic audit while staff pursues insurance and scoped estimates.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":104,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6626985,"Board accepts Community Health Needs Assessment; trustees discuss strategy and next steps",755,2865000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2733124-f671d0eecb179588b68b003020922c4c&start=2865&end=3620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2733124-f671d0eecb179588b68b003020922c4c/thumbnail_2865000.jpg","/articles/6626985/Weston-County/Wyoming/Board-accepts-Community-Health-Needs-Assessment-trustees-discuss-strategy-and-next-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6626985-3ad63f44e81a1e771876793dbf6d9a85/orig.mp4?Expires=1770948453&Signature=Bqc4UcunpJZ-qSdk7BNSD~tsRh1JzEwysXMqh9IcrfEraQ~G6ApHW1mlXhSm77IzW6WCHzDt5d0Jvr663WcXf9Mrq3chK~JkkuVW-tV6VU1RkN54pe2UKBEGXPRzJYADcB7fIG71orfARoY6VolwI22xR3t561tO5H-EdZu1cI07HF0wqB3NI8lkd2L5F6seeKy0mioxzr-w1Xng8n08zu8l~NJCcozUJZo0WN2~oyUasJm2auLlajoFVyAghnwt0GfdG1G2rpoNGjUUioRo2rquBdIavmA6nJBz-xWDI~eUOsx~2qQnffKT4UofvvOZECGfcXdBE3jmevmhOxZvcA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Trustees accepted the hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) after a presentation from consultant David Zimbo, who summarized the process and recommended areas for action including specialty care recruitment, care coordination, senior services, mental‑health resources and marketing/outreach.

Zimbo told the board the CHNA identified seven priority areas: specialty services, care coordination, senior services, mental health, marketing and outreach, extended clinical hours and veteran services. He urged the board to translate the CHNA findings into a strategy and operational plans, saying the report contains community survey responses and recommended actions that clinical leadership could convert into programs.

David said physician recruitment for specialty clinics and improved community perception and marketing were among the report’s priorities. “We want them thinking of us as their home,” he said of the patient journey recommendations.

Legal counsel Allison reminded trustees that the CHNA must be posted and documented by the end of the fiscal year for IRS and Medicare reporting requirements, including filing on the hospital’s IRS Form 990. She advised trustees that approving the CHNA does not by itself obligate the board to a detailed strategy; staff may return with an action plan linking the CHNA to the hospital’s strategic plan.

The board voted to accept the CHNA. Trustees said they would bring the CHNA into strategy discussions and align hospital initiatives and community partnerships with the report’s recommendations.

Why it matters

The CHNA sets the community‑identified priorities that hospitals must document and consider when planning community benefit programs and strategic investments. Acceptance of the CHNA moves the hospital toward posting the report for compliance and into the next step — converting findings into measurable strategic objectives.

Ending

Staff will continue work to integrate CHNA findings into strategy work and will report back with proposed initiatives and metrics.","David Zimbo presented the hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Trustees voted to accept the CHNA and discussed using it to guide strategic planning, outreach and partnerships for specialty care, senior services and mental‑health resources.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board debates possible forensic audit into past finances, tables spending while it checks insurance coverage

Board authorizes lease for new hospital desktops and laptops after debate over lease vs. buy

Weston County Health Services reports progress on 2024 audit, inventory system and cash controls

Votes at a glance: Weston County Health Services Board actions on meeting dates, minutes, CHNA and computer lease

Board accepts Community Health Needs Assessment; trustees discuss strategy and next steps