Present:	Thad Bell, Rosalie Crouch, Jim Fisher, Bob Gallager, Ray Greenberg, Sarah King, Layton McCurdy, Danielle Ripich, Stuart Smith, Marion Woodbury, and Walker Coleman
Guests:	Paul Bush, Pam Cipriano, Joanne Conroy, Fred Crawford, Hal Currey, Lisa Montgomery, Tom Moore, and Ian Taylor

ITEM 1. Indigent Care Policy

Dr. Conroy and Dr. McCurdy presented background and draft recommendations for policy changes necessary to continue handling indigent patients at realistic levels. Attached is a handout that overviews this information. Council was asked to consider this for possible presentation to the MUSC Board of Trustees with recommendation for approval. This agenda item was closely interrelated to the two following items.

ACTION: Council received these recommendations for further study. Dr. Conroy and colleagues were thanked for their excellent work.

ITEM 2. Pharmacy Discount Policy

Mr. Bush, Pharmacy Director, overviewed the changes ongoing and proposed for the Department of Pharmacy Services as well as resultant cash flow projections (copy attached). This would adjust the discount prescription program co-payments and discounts to more equitable levels as well as consolidate two ambulatory pharmacy locations with closing of the Clinical Sciences facility. The net result will be an overall break even or better operation when not including indirect costs. Any public information about these changes should stress that they are positive as, without them, MUSC could no longer offer such services.

ACTION: This was received as information.

ITEM 3. CMH Financial Status

Mr. Moore presented several proposed measures to reduce CMH costs (attached). These included continuation of the personnel reductions/reassignments, reducing and/or closing several services, reducing physician services payments, and other related reductions. This was followed by extensive discussion of the future options for the Hospital, MUSC, and Charleston County.

ACTION: Mr. Woodbury and Mr. Smith will once again meet with representatives of County Council for a frank overview of MUSC CMH options as well as needs associated with these options if the facility is to remain operational. County will be asked to determine their possible commitments to the future of the facility. Feedback from this discussion will be put on the agenda of the March 15, 2000 President’s Council for recommendations to be discussed with Dr. Rowland on March 17 for possible action at the April 14, 2000 Board of Trustees meeting. Dr. McCurdy will meet with local colleagues to discuss plans, needs, and possible cooperative activities with respect to the continued provision of emergency services by MUSC.

ITEM 4 (EXTRA). Senator Giese’s Visit

Senator Geise’s office had contacted Dr. McCurdy about a strong interest in discussing the lack of State services for traumatic brain injury victims. He offered to visit MUSC for such discussion. Mr. Smith noted that some prior discussion of this subject had transpired with Mr. Moses Clarkson, ex-DHEC Board Chair, and representatives of MUSC neurosurgery and rehabilitation staff.

ACTION: Senator Geise will be invited to MUSC on Wednesday March 15, 2000 for discussions with Dr. McCurdy and appropriate colleagues including Mr. Smith.