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Bonner County approves MOU to let Kaniksu Health perform forensic exams at Bonner General Hospital
Summary
The board approved a memorandum of understanding allowing Kaniksu Health staff to perform forensic examinations for victims at Bonner General Hospital; county said it will only coordinate and will not incur costs or added liability.
The Bonner County Board of Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding among Bonner County, Kaniksu Health and Bonner General Hospital that allows Kaniksu Health clinicians to perform forensic examinations at Bonner General for victims of violence, Bill Wilson said during the meeting.
Wilson told the board the agreement exists because Bonner General Health (BGH) currently has a shortage of staff trained or available to conduct forensic exams and Kaniksu Health has clinicians who can provide the service. "Kaniksu is providing all liability insurance. And the county's role is mainly just to coordinate between the parties," Wilson said. He recommended the board approve the draft memorandum.
Wilson said the county will not have any cost associated with the agreement and that county involvement is intended to help coordinate facility access, particularly overnight or late-hour access when clinicians are needed. He said other local service providers, including Lily Brook, already work with victims and coordinate services onsite.
The board voted to approve the memorandum and authorized the chair to sign administratively; roll-call voting recorded affirmative votes. Commissioners who spoke in roll call included Commissioner Duffy and Commissioner Litton, each recorded as voting yes.
Ending: County staff said the agreement aims to expand local forensic capacity without creating financial exposure for the county; the MOU will move forward with the parties' signatures.
