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Ogumoro wants governing board for hospital
Rep. Felicidad Ogumoro (R-Saipan) has introduced a bill to repeal and reenact parts of law that created the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. as well as establish a governing board of trustees to manage and control its operations, functions, and activities.
House Bill 19-186 allows for a transition period of six months from the date the board of trustees is fully organized, where the CHCC’s chief executive officer will continue to carry out the powers of the corporation and the board for a “smooth transition and transfer” of management. CHCC’s chief executive officer will report directly to this board, under the bill.
Per the bill, the governor, with advice and consent of the Senate, will appoint the five-member board of trustees.
One trustee will be from Rota, one from Tinian, and three trustees will be from Saipan.
The bill also lists requirements for trustees including that they not be convicted of a crime in or outside the CNMI, must have at least a bachelor’s degree form an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution, and five years of management and supervisory experience in the government or private sector, among others.
The board’s initial members will serve staggered terms.
Through drawing of lots, three trustees will serve four-year terms and two will serve a six-year term.
The bill notes that the sitting advisory board of trustees shall cease to exit when the bill becomes law, but adds that the governor may re-appoint a sitting advisory board of trustees to serve as a trustee under the new law.
The bill also goes on to list top management positions in the hospital and lists their requirements and also establishes a “Healthcare Operations Fund,” which will be managed by the hospital’s chief financial officer and will be separate and apart from the general fund and will be where the CFO will deposit all moneys or funds received the corporation, including appropriations.
The bill says all operational expenses, including debts, will be paid from this fund.
