The Weston County Hospital Board authorized staff to explore bringing a family nurse practitioner (FNP) on a temporary, trial (locum) basis to provide women's health and pediatric services.

Kathy told the board she had identified a candidate through a recruiter who indicated a willingness to come for a trial period; Kathy told the board she signed a 15% recruiter agreement to preserve the candidate option. Kathy said she "went ahead and signed the contract for the 15%" to hold the recruiter’s arrangement. Staff described the candidate as experienced in women's health and pediatrics and cited an example availability window—Oct. 6 through Jan. 30—to allow sufficient time to assess fit.

Board members discussed whether to prioritize hiring an MD over an advanced practice provider. One board member said community fit and clinical competence were most important, regardless of whether the hire was an MD or a nurse practitioner. The board also noted clinic staffing levels (nurses and medical assistants) and existing providers who sometimes cover pediatric care.

Why it matters: board members emphasized the community need for a female provider who can provide routine women's health and pediatric continuity that some local residents have lacked. The trial locum is intended to increase capacity for wellness visits, screenings and chronic‑care programs while staff evaluate long‑term recruitment options.

Next steps: staff were authorized to bring the locum for a trial period, arrange logistical and travel details, and report back to the board on trial outcomes and any proposed longer‑term hiring. The recruiter fee and signed hold remain part of staffing negotiations.