Healthcare Facilities Management Society of New Jersey, Inc.

Serving Healthcare Since 1949

 

 

*** General Membership Meeting***

 

Minutes to the Meeting of

April 19, 2007

 

 President John DiGirolomo, CHFM, SASHE called the meeting to order on Thursday, April 19, 2007, at the Galloping Hill Inn, Union, New Jersey, commencing at 6:10 p.m. two moments of silence were observed before Michael Depordova lead everyone in the pledge of allegiance. Self-introductions were made by all in attendance.

 

 

SPONSOR

 

The sponsors for this evening’s meeting were Robert Lighting, Candor Construction and Digital Voice Networks

 

 

 

EDUCATIONAL SESSION TOPIC

 

  The educational session was presented by Mr. Mike Yarnell of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

 

Mr. Yarnell gave an informative presentation on what areas of healthcare OSHA is concerned with and how facilities can work with OSHA’s voluntary protection program to achieve the safest work environment

 

 

President John DiGirolomo thanked Mike and representatives of Roberts Lighting, Candor Construction and Digital Voice Network.

 

 

 

           

DINNER BREAK.

 

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

John DiGirolomo informed the group that Advocacy Chair Roger Roop would once again be presenting some very exiting news to the group.

   

PRESIDENT-ELECT’S REPORT

 

Ben DiFranco informed the group that there was still a need for sponsorship for a few remaining meetings and that September 11, 2007 would be the date of the all day seminar featuring Dan Chisolm speaking on emergency power, Mike Yarnell speaking on OSHA inspections and Bill Anderson speaking on Building Maintenance Programs.

 

Ben also asked the group for feedback on how well received a planned field trip to Allentown to visit the Sarco plant would be. Ben let everyone know an email would be sent to membership asking about their attendance at this event.

 

The membership was also asked about any potential volunteers who were willing assist Ben with one of the last open items of 2007; selecting the entertainment for the holiday party.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

 

Bill Anderson, CHFM, FASHE presented the following synapses of the 2007 budget:

 

            Beginning Balance:     $69,084.94

            Disbursements:           $5,695.71

            Deposits:                     $5,380.00

            Ending Balance:          $68,769.23

 

The organization is solvent.

 

Bill announced to the group that although we are still solvent, we had our first losing month and that better attendance is needed for future meetings.

 

It was also announced that approximately 20 members would be receiving letters from President John DiGirolomo informing them they will be officially removed from the HFMSNJ roster for failure to come current with their membership dues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECRETARY'S REPORT

 

Edward Fay informed the group that although an update to the membership had recently been completed reminder emails were coming back undeliverable and to please follow up with any either the Secretary or Registrar to avoid missing any pertinent information.

 

 

ADVOCACY

 

Roger Roop was once again “delighted” to announce another successful advocacy, he has received written information from Mr. Bill O'Sullivan of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announcing that healthcare facilities in New Jersey that are required by other authorities having jurisdiction and are mandated to run their generators regardless of weather conditions and air quality are exempt at meeting the air quality pre-testing standards.

 

The NJDEP asks that when given the option to test generators on days where air quality is poor to please elect to reschedule such tests but they will not be spot testing for the requirement.

 

Roger let everyone know that a link will be placed on the website to download a copy of the letter, John DiGirolomo asked Joe Rawson to please share the results of this and other successful advocacy’s with ASHE at his next scheduled meeting.

 

John also took a moment to share a letter he received from Dale Woodin thanking and congratulating the HFMSNJ for this effort.

 

 

NEWSLETTER

 

John Schliewenz was unavailable so Peter Applemann filled in and reminded the group to please forward any information they may have to John to be added to next quarter’s news letter.

 

 

WEBSITE / AD JORNAL

 

Oscar Gonzalez CHFM SAHE informed everyone that he is falling short of the goal he set for the 2007 Ad Journal and he is still seeking contributions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EAB

 

No report

 

GOLF OUTTING

 

Roger Ennis informed the group that invitations to the golf outing had gone out and additional invites were at each table, the date has been set for June 5th 2007 at Fox Hollow Country Club and that sponsorship was still needed. Roger reminded everyone that the proceeds of the event go directly to pay for educational topics at the monthly meetings.

 

 

 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

 

No report

 

 

AUDIT & NOMINATING COMMITTEE

 

 

Still Solvent

 

SOCIAL JUSTICE

 

Frank Keller announced that the last Bridges run was a success and thanked everyone who participated, and that although the season was changing clothing donations were still needed and that a list of the remaining Bridges run would be sent to the membership via email. Frank informed everyone that he has been working with a group from Woodbridge New Jersey called "Tooling around the town" and they could make available a project to the organization of assisting the needy with minor construction and painting etc.

 

An email would be sent to membership of prospective dates for the event, Frank asked that when replying please indicate the type of trades the members would be able to provide to help better select the appropriate project.

 

 

 

 

DOH UPDATES

 

No Report

 

 

 

NFPA UPDATES

 

No Report

 

JOINT COMMISSION UPDATES

 

 

John DiGirolomo announced that the Joint Commission has made available a regulatory advisory criteria on alcohol based hand rubs and where and how they can be located in a facility, the information is design to clarify any misconceptions about ABHR's and can be found on ASHE's website

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Ben DiFranco announced that 2006 Ad Journals were still available and anyone who hasn’t received one please see him after the meeting.

 

John DiGirolomo informed the group that he along with Bill Anderson and Joe Rawson would like to announce that the CHFM prep course was off to a terrific start with over 60 people registering some from as far away as Maryland. Joe Rawson thanked both John and Bill for their continued help to the industry and anyone still interested in attending please contact the Delaware Valley Chapter at their website HFMADV.ORG

 

Bill did remind everyone in attendance that by our by-laws the organization would pay for any regular member wishing to take the CHFM test.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Marie Kassai informed everyone that the CDC is slated to release their new revised isolation room guidelines with includes new EVS protocols in June of 2007, Maria also brought some additional information to the group about the NJDOHSS following up on new AAME standards in disinfecting and CMS becoming more stringent with water treatment system for contract and in-house hemo-dyalsisys units.

 

Mark Carter from MCCDP announced that Bayshore Hospital would be seeking a facility manager shortly as theirs had recently retired.

 

John DiGirolomo informed everyone of a potential opening as a facility manager at Hunterdon Medical Center.

 

Roger Roop also let everyone know about an opening for a facility manager outside healthcare at Four Seasons Retirement Committee in Lakewood New Jersey.

 

 

ASHE

 

President John DiGirolomo, CHFM, SASHE welcomed Joe Rawson ASHE region 2 representative who addressed the group on the latest ASHE news.

 

Joe informed the group that he had recently attended a meeting with Dale Woodin and Leo Gering were it was announced that any Chapter receiving a level "Gold" would receive three passes for eligible members to take the CHFM test, thus the HFMSNJ will be able to offer prospective candidates at no charge the ability to take the CHFM test.

 

ASHE has also asked Joe Rawson to please "throw his hat in the ring" for ASHE president at this year’ elections, Mike Depordova asked why Joe is still our region 2 representative since John DiGirolomo had been elected to the position. Joe explained that since John had taken a position at a facility outside region 2 he was not eligible to hold that position by ASHE''s bylaws, Joe had agreed to assume the position for a half term until this years election in which Ben DiFranco and Anthony Salvatore of the Delaware Valley Chapter were running.

 

Ben DiFranco reminded everyone that ASHE membership is available at every meeting and to please try to make plans to join us at the 2007 conference in New Orleans.

  

GOOD OF THE ORDER

 

 

           

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:18 P.M.