Groveport Madison board approves Nationwide Children's Hospital partnership after debate over equipment and liability

The Groveport Madison Schools Board of Education approved a partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital to operate a school-based health center after Nationwide representatives answered board questions about equipment ownership, maintenance and liability.

Nationwide representatives, introduced to the record as Mary Kay Erwin, Michelle Welsh and Lisa Thomas, told the board that the hospital prefers to own and maintain clinical equipment so its biomed technicians can service devices and ensure accurate readings. A Nationwide speaker said the arrangement shifts equipment-liability toward the hospital and allows the hospital's staff to maintain calibration and repairs: "the team at Nationwide Children's who works on equipment won't work on equipment we don't own," the representative said, adding, "absolutely positively we are not" trying to take advantage of the district.

Board members acknowledged the clinical benefit but raised concerns about the long-term stewardship of taxpayer-funded items and what happens if the hospital leaves after the MOU term. One board member asked whether the district would be left with a vacant space and equipment gaps if the hospital decided not to renew after an initial term. Nationwide replied that their intent is to remain and that they routinely budget for start-up equipment, bill Medicaid and private insurance, and operate school-based centers on a nonprofit basis.

The board discussed specific operational questions about vision and dental equipment and a proposed equipment swap with Columbus City Schools so both districts can run productive clinics. Nationwide said the swap would allow them to be more efficient while continuing to expand services if demand rises.

After discussion, a motion to approve the contract was moved and seconded. Roll call recorded the approval: Missus Gray (aye), Mister Bauer (aye), Missus Dottaburger (aye), and Mister Kirschner (aye); the motion passed.

Next steps: district staff will finalize the executed agreement and continue coordination with Nationwide on implementation details, including clarifying any additional language about the disposition of grant-funded or long-lived "hard goods" at the end of the partnership term.