Dahl Memorial Clinic board approves policies, contracts and operational changes; summer hours set

The Dahl Memorial Clinic Board approved a series of policy reviews, vendor contracts and operational changes at its March 27, 2025, meeting at City Hall in Skagway.

The board, chaired by President Bob Dietrich, voted on more than 20 motions in a meeting that included second readings and first‑read actions on multiple policies. Several items were unanimous or near‑unanimous; roll‑call votes recorded five votes in favor for most actions.

Among the approvals were second‑reading adoptions of administrative and governance policies such as the conflict of interest policy, administrative document retention and organization, credentialing and privileging, identification of business associates, code of conduct and grievance procedures (some adopted as amended). The board also approved first readings or introductions for other policies including a federal cash‑management and grant drawdown policy and a fees and charges policy (the latter was amended to add “plus shipping” for equipment and supplies charged at 15% over cost).

The board approved staffing contracts and contract amendments: a registered nurse contract, a medical assistant contract and an amendment to the Emergis Healthcare Staffing, Inc. agreement to incorporate credentialing language. Two short‑term lease agreements were renewed. The board appointed Lisonbee Nannini to a three‑year term. The board also approved a special corporate board meeting for April 4 to consider a letter of intent to the Skagway Municipality assembly related to nonprofit operations and the Portland House project.

The board approved operating changes: starting May 1 the clinic will operate 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturdays through the summer season; and the pharmacy will begin in‑clinic operations April 7 for a three‑month in‑house launch before moving to the Portland House retail site. Director Wahl said the phased pharmacy rollout is intended to streamline inventory ordering, billing and telepharmacy operations before opening a public retail location.

Quotable: Director Wahl, executive director, described the pharmacy timeline: “We will be opening the pharmacy on April 7 in the clinic. It will not have over the counter medications. It will simply be 3 months' worth of preparing our process so that we get ordering of inventory down, billing, third party liability enrollment, and, the prescription process, well honed before we launch into another setting.”

Board members asked for clarifications and suggested edits before second readings on some policies; the board moved several items forward as first readings to allow committee review and final action at the next meeting. Several items — including the bylaw amendments required by incorporation — were introduced for the board’s review and will return for formal action after the required notice period.

Ending: The board scheduled its next regular meeting for April 24 and set committee meetings and training dates for mid‑April. A special corporate meeting to discuss the draft letter of intent with the borough manager and assembly liaison is set for April 4 at 5:00 p.m.