Flores slams CHCC leadership

Rep. Marissa Renee Flores (Ind-Saipan) raised some concerns about the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. leadership, accusing it of lack of transparency and accountability.

Speaking during the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.’s board meeting last Thursday, Flores also accused the CHCC management of being insensitive to patients, mainly due to ignorance of the local culture.

There were no immediate comments from CHCC CEO Esther Muña and other CHCC leaders.

Flores said she speak for those who are concerned about the CHCC leadership, the lack of transparency and accountability, the insensitive management and care of patients, the high employee turnover, the excessive travel by top management, among other issues.

“The issue of fiduciary responsibility and leadership in the healthcare system is a matter of concern. Leaders of the healthcare industry must prioritize the well-being of the patients and the overall health of the community they serve. This includes making sound financial decisions that align with the organization’s mission and value,” she said.

Flores said the CNMI’s healthcare leaders must uphold the highest ethical conduct, ensure transparency, and uphold accountability standards in the decision-making process.

“When fiduciary duty is lacking, it can lead to mismanagement of resources, compromised patient care, and loss of public trust. Addressing this issue requires collaboration between regulatory bodies, governing boards, and healthcare professionals. Implementing robust governance structures, regular audits, and clear guidelines for financial management can help ensure that fiduciary responsibility is upheld and the healthcare system operates in the best interest of the patients and the community,” she said.

Flores asked the CHCC board of trustees to look into CHCC’s standard procedures, including inventory of all equipment and supplies of both patients and the hospital, complaints ang grievances of staff, travel policies, reprograming authority and its policies as it relates to all grants and local laws.

Flores also asked the board to look into the policies governing the CHCC chief executive officer position, which will be up for reconsideration again in January 2024.

“It has come to my understanding that the CEO’s contract is up for reconsideration in January of 2024. I also ask this board to look into its current policies and ensure a fair process, not a political process. Create a survey to allow every staff to evaluate to ensure that every voice in CHCC is heard,” she said.

The current CHCC CEO, Muña, has occupied the post for nine years since April 2014.

Flores said she does not intend to challenge or attack anyone. “I am here as an advocate for those in the community to ensure we, as members of the community, uphold the integrity of care this institution is responsible of carrying out,” Flores added.

Flores is vice chair of the House Committee on Health and Welfare, as well as the Health and Welfare Committee of the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation.