HMH Board of Directors approve Appreciation bonuses for hospital employees

December was a favorable financial month for Howard Memorial Hospital.
CFO, Bill Craig reported the hospital’s net income was $25,184, but the hospital impatient average census was below budget, as well as emergency epartment visits and surgery cases were down. However, Bill reported outpatient visits were 26 percent above budget.

Craig also reported HMH received $418,288 in stimulus monies from the federal government and $68,960 in stimulus monies from the state of Arkansas on December 16.
Board members were given an update on the number of employees who signed up for the sign-on and retention bonus program.

Board members then approved an Appreciation bonus for all of the remaining employees of the hospital. According to CEO Debra Wright, full-time employees will receive one amount, part-time employees will receive one amount and prn employees will receive one amount.
Craig reported 50 percent of this bonus amount will be re-cooped on the 2021 Medicare Cost Report.
Board members also voted to start their monthly meetings at 5:30 pm since meetings will be held virtually for the foreseeable future.