Meet the Current GNCCARN President, Kathie Fisher

President’s message

Greetings Everyone!

I hope this message finds all of you in good health, recovered from the rush of the holidays and keeping your sanity through the audits that seem to plague all of us recently. Our friends in long term care are preparing for state reviews, with many being in their "window" at this time. Good luck to all of us as we welcome CMS, CARF, JCAHO, NC state reviewers, etc into our facilities. Kindred/Cypress Pointe just completed a mock survey and while we are in good shape, there are many areas where we can improve, as with all providers. One big change this year is with medication carts. If a cart is pulled into a patient room, it must be wiped down with bleach wipes upon exit and before continuing to the next room! That is a lot of time consuming cleaning during an already tight med pass.

Reimbursement continues to dwindle for both acute and sub-acute settings forcing all of us to do more with fewer resources. Education dollars are among the earliest cuts.  On a lighter note, GNCCARN has remained solvent and has voted to hold fees for our education meetings at the same level as the past few years. The Spring Education Conference will once again launch from the Blockade Runner in Wrightsville Beach April 18th & 19th. The program is focused and meaningful, covering topics that impact our practice. So, plan to join us at the beach and share good times and great ideas with your state-wide colleagues. Be safe, be healthy, and do something fun to chase away the winter blues. See you in April!

Kathie