2024-05-15T12:00:46-05:00 2023-06-30 390859910 BAKER TILLY US LLP 101 WASHINGTON STREET EAST CHARLESTON WV 25301 990 2022-07-01 556000526 GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL GRAF 3042657152 1 HOSPITAL PLAZA GRAFTON WV 26354 MELISSA LOCKWOOD CAO 3042657152 2024-05-15 1 MELISSA LOCKWOOD 999009999 0 DOLORES ROSE P01286262 3043460441 2024-05-09 2 AAL1 IAL1 2022 2023-04-26 12:10:37Z MELISSA LOCKWOOD 1 HOSPITAL PLAZA GRAFTON WV 26354 17187662 0 X WWW.MONHEALTH.COM/GRAFTON-HOSPITAL X 1972 WV TO PROVIDE INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE, OUTPATIENT SERVICES AND EMERGENCY ROOM SERVICES TO THE RESIDENTS OF TAYLOR COUNTY, WV AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. 8 7 213 0 408919 0 1174950 2605 16916855 16396055 40461 19381 1281941 769621 19414207 17187662 700 600 0 0 10349832 11103881 0 0 0 9911641 7804286 20262173 18908767 -847966 -1721105 10832298 7875692 12232618 10997117 -1400320 -3121425 TO PROVIDE INPATIENT HOSPITAL CARE, OUTPATIENT SERVICES AND EMERGENCY ROOM SERVICES TO THE RESIDENTS OF TAYLOR COUNTY, WV AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. 0 0 18276621 16750219 THE HOSPITAL PROVIDED HEALTH CARE SERVICES INCLUDING 5,659 EMERGENCY ROOM VISITS, 604 ACUTE HOSPITAL DAYS, 0 LONG-TERM CARE DAYS, 620 SWING-BED DAYS, AND 205 SURGERIES. THE HOSPITAL PROVIDED CHARITY CARE WITHOUT CHARGE OR AT LESS THAN ITS ESTABLISHED RATES TO PATIENTS WHO MEET CERTAIN CRITERIA UNDER ITS CHARITY CARE POLICY. CHARGES FOREGONE FOR CHARITY CARE DURING THE YEAR AMOUNTED TO $51,269.51. ADDITIONALLY, THE HOSPITAL'S RURAL HEALTH CLINIC RECORDED 11,369 VISITS FOR THE YEAR. THE HOSPITAL SPONSORED COMMUNITY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT SERVICES THAT INCLUDED A HEALTH FAIR AND NEW YOU YOUTH FITNESS. 600 600 THE ORGANIZATION PROVIDED GRANTS TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING A $500 SPONSORSHIP OF A FIVE MILE RUN AND A $100 DONATION TO HOSPICE. 18277221 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 12 0 213 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 8 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 X KEVIN GESSLER 3043294700 1 HOSPITAL PLAZA GRAFTON WV 26354 THOMAS STEVENS DO PHYSICIAN 40.00 X 426433 0 0 ANDREW BERARDINELLI MD PHYSICIAN 40.00 X 419883 0 2569 JOSEPH DUVERT MD PHYSICIAN 40.00 X 390492 0 3093 DAVID BENDER MD EXECUTIVE CREDENTIALS CHAIR 40.00 X 364152 0 7441 THOMAS WILSHIRE DO PHYSICIAN 40.00 X 314326 0 6569 STEPHEN HARRIS PA PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT 40.00 X 146695 0 0 MELISSA LOCKWOOD CAO PRESTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 16.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN L BORD PRESIDENT 2.00 X X 0 0 0 ROBERT WEAVER VICE PRESIDENT 2.00 X X 0 0 0 NANCY FOWLER FINANCE CHAIR 2.00 X 0 0 0 WAYNE MCDEVITT TRUSTEE 2.00 X 0 0 0 LARRY RICHMAN TRUSTEE 2.00 X 0 0 0 JENNY WEAVER TRUSTEE 2.00 X 0 0 0 JOHN WHITESCARVER TRUSTEE 2.00 X 0 0 0 2061981 0 19672 6 0 1 0 XTEND HEALTHCARE LLC 90 VOLUNTEER DRIVE SUITE 200 HENDERSONVILLE TN 37075 PATIENT BILLING AND CODING 248225 LABCORP 231 MAPLE AVE BURLINGTON NC 27215 LAB TESTING SERVICES 215862 QUALIVIS DEPT 3847 PO BOX 123847 DALLAS TX 75312 MEDICAL STAFFING SERVICES 188453 JEFFREY SINCLAIR 4001 WEST RIDGE DRIVE MORGANTOWN WV 26501 EMERGENCY ROOM PHYSICAN SERVICE 135100 ALLIANCE HEALTHCARE SERVICES PO BOX 735714 DALLAS TX 75373 MRI SERVICES 132394 5 2605 2605 NET PATIENT SERVICES 622110 15355975 15355975 340B PROGRAM REVENUE 900099 1040080 1040080 16396055 19381 19381 6538 0 6538 6538 6538 NURSING HOME SERVICE REIMB 900099 408919 408919 MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE 900099 354164 354164 763083 17187662 16750219 408919 25919 600 600 371593 359182 12411 8756741 8464266 292475 1381731 1335581 46150 593816 573983 19833 385275 372407 12868 11562 11562 55581 55581 1569319 1516904 52415 1368751 1323127 45624 276720 267478 9242 152949 147841 5108 6418 6204 214 103387 99934 3453 546149 527908 18241 495159 478621 16538 MEDICAL SUPPLIES 1149250 1149250 REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE 689638 666604 23034 MEDICAID PROVIDER TAX 247577 247577 BAD DEBT EXPENSE 231911 231911 514640 507843 6797 18908767 18277221 631546 0 1466970 12600 1015950 201315 2549883 2565997 251342 258388 578813 285409 21462507 18565275 3327897 2897232 1006709 1020017 634734 634734 10832298 7875692 3494201 4498038 2457650 2457649 6280767 4041430 12232618 10997117 X -1400320 -3121425 -1400320 -3121425 10832298 7875692 -1721105 0 X X 0 1 X 1 0 X 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 17622 17622 0 PART II-B, LINE 1: PART II-B, LINE(I), OTHER LOBBYING ACTIVITIES: GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL PAYS DUES TO THE WEST VIRGINIA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION. THE WEST VIRGINIA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION REPRESENTS HOSPITALS AND HEALTH SYSTEMS. FOR THE YEAR ENDED 06/30/23, THE AMOUNT OF DUES RELATED TO LOBBYING ACTIVITIES WAS $17,622. 26597 26597 8931207 8290289 640918 388268 169326 218942 11819320 10105660 1713660 297115 297115 2897232 CHART RRG - INVESTMENT 1020017 C 1020017 RIGHT OF USE ASSET 634734 634734 CAPITAL LEASES 125319 THIRD-PARTY PAYOR SETTLEMENTS 359633 TAXABLE BONDS 2912207 OPERATING LEASE LIABILITY 634734 ACCRUED PENSION 9537 4041430 16955751 0 16955751 231911 231911 17187662 18676856 0 18676856 231911 231911 18908767 PART XI, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: BAD DEBT EXPENSE NETTED AGAINST REVENUE ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 231,911. PART XII, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: BAD DEBT EXPENSE NETTED AGAINST REVENUE ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 231,911. 1 1 X 1 X 0 1 1 0 0 302710 302710 769391 769391 102195 102195 1174296 1174296 0 0.00000 16491 16491 0.00090 16491 16491 0.00090 1190787 1174296 16491 0.00090 1 231911 2999120 2999120 X 1 1 1 1 GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL INC 500 MARKET STREET GRAFTON WV 25354 X X X X GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL 1 0 0 1 X X X X X X X X X 22 1 1 0 1 X SEE PART V SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION X 1 22 1 HTTPS://WWW.MONHEALTH.COM/GRAFTON-HOSPITAL 0 1 X 100.000000000000 100.000000000000 X X X 1 1 X X X 1 X HTTP://WWW.GRAFTONHOSPITAL.COM/PATIENTS---VISTORS.HTML X HTTP://WWW.GRAFTONHOSPITAL.COM/PATIENTS---VISTORS.HTML X HTTP://WWW.GRAFTONHOSPITAL.COM/PATIENTS---VISTORS.HTML X X X X X X 1 X 0 X X X X 1 X 0 0 GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL PART V, SECTION B, LINE 5: THE 2022 CHNA INCLUDED QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS AND COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS TO DETERMINE HEALTH TRENDS AND DISPARITIES AFFECTING TAYLOR COUNTY RESIDENTS. THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE VIEW OF STATISTICAL HEALTH INDICATORS AND COMMMUNITY STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK, A PROFILE OF PRIORITY AREAS WAS DETERMINED. THE FINDINGS WILL GUIDE HEALTHCARE SERVICES AND HEALTH IMPROVEMENT EFFORTS, AS WELL AS SERVE AS A COMMUNITY RESOURCE FOR GRANT MAKING, ADVOCACY, AND TO SUPPORT THE MANY PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICE PARTNERS.IN ASSESSING COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS, INPUT WAS SOLICITED AND RECEIVED FROM PERSONS WHO REPRESENT THE BROAD INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS UNDERSERVED, LOW-INCOME, AND MINORITY POPULATIONS. THESE INDIVIDUALS PROVIDED WIDE PERSPECTIVES ON HEALTH TRENDS, EXPERTISE ABOUT EXISTING COMMUNITY RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO MEET THOSE NEEDS, AND INSIGHTS INTO SERVICE DELIVERY GAPS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO HEALTH DISPARITIES AND INEQUITIES. GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL PART V, SECTION B, LINE 6A: PRESTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL PART V, SECTION B, LINE 11: GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL ADDRESSED THE FOLLOWING SIGNIFICANT NEEDS IDENTIFIED:ACCESS TO CARE: EXPANSION OF TELEHEALTH PROGRAM; FREE OR REDUCED-COST COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH SCREENINGS; BLOOD PRESSURE CLINICS; EXPANSION OF SPECIALTY CLINICS WITH THE ADDITION OF CARDIOLOGY AND ORTHOPEDICS SERVICESBEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE DISORDER: EXPANSION OF TELEHEALTH IN THE GRAFTON RECOVERY CENTER; ADULT INPATIENT SHORT-STAY PROGRAM OFFERING 24-HOUR SUPPORT, SUPERVISION, AND NURSING CARE; EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS FOR PEOPLE WITH OPIOID USE DISORDER; SCREENINGS AND FOLLOW UP CARE TO SUPPORT PEOPLE EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERSCOVID-19 RESPONSE: DURING THE PANDEMIC PROVIDED TESTING IN THE PARKING LOT OR FREE-STANDING LAB BUILDING; ADMINISTERED VACCINATIONS; SUPPORTED COVID-19 DISEASE AND VACCINATION EDUCATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH COMMUNITY AGENCIES GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL PART V, SECTION B, LINE 16J: THE ADMISSION DEPARTMENT HAS SIGNS POSTED THAT OFFER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION. PRIVATE PAY PATIENTS ARE OFFERED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION. GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL PART V, SECTION B, LINE 20E: EVERY 30 DAYS PATIENTS RECEIVE A STATEMENT AND AFTER 4 STATEMENTS EACH PATIENT RECEIVES A LETTER ASKING IF THE ARE ANY CONCERNS WITH THE BILL AND TO PLEASE CALL THE HOSPITAL. IF THE ACCOUNT IS NOT PAID THE PATIENT IS EITHER CALLED OR RECEIVES A LETTER INDICATING THAT COLLECTION EFFORTS WILL START. AT THE POINT OF CALLING, THE PATIENT IS OFFERED CHARITY CARE, ASSISTANCE WITH THE MEDICAID APPLICATION, OR A DISCOUNT IF THE BILL IS PAID IN FULL. PART V, SECTION B, LINE 7A THE URL LINK FOR THE CHNA:HTTPS://WWW.MONHEALTH.COM/UPLOADS/PUBLIC/DOCUMENTS/GRAFTON/2022%20CHNA%20REPORT.PDF PART I, LINE 7: THE COST OF CHARITY CARE WAS ESTIMATED USING A COST TO CHARGE RATIO DERIVED FROM WORKSHEET 2 OF THE SCHEDULE H INSTRUCTIONS.AS A WV CAH, GCH IS REIMBURSED 100% OF COSTS FROM MEDICAID FOR HOSPITAL LEVEL SERVICES (THE EXCEPTION TO THIS COST REIMBURSEMENT IS FOR THE RHC). THE ONLY COMPONENT THAT WOULD HAVE A MEDICAID COMMUNITY BENEFIT EXPENSE RELATES TO THE RHC. PART I, LINE 7, COLUMN (F): THE BAD DEBT EXPENSE INCLUDED ON FORM 990, PART IX, LINE 25, COLUMN (A), BUT SUBTRACTED FOR PURPOSES OF CALCULATING THE PERCENTAGE IN THIS COLUMN IS $ 231,911. PART III, LINE 2: BAD DEBT EXPENSE AS REPORTED ON AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. PART III, LINE 4: PATIENT ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE: PATIENT ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ARE CARRIED AT THE ORIGINAL CHARGE LESS AN ESTIMATE MADE FOR DOUBTFUL OR UNCOLLECTABLE ACCOUNTS. THE ALLOWANCE IS BASED UPON A REVIEW OF THE OUTSTANDING BALANCES AGED BY FINANCIAL CLASS. MANAGEMENT USES COLLECTION PERCENTAGES BASED UPON HISTORICAL COLLECTION EXPERIENCE TO DETERMINE COLLECTABILITY. MANAGEMENT ALSO REVIEWS TROUBLED, AGED ACCOUNTS TO DETERMINE COLLECTION POTENTIAL. PATIENT ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ARE WRITTEN OFF WHEN DEEMED UNCOLLECTIBLE. RECOVERIES OF ACCOUNTS PREVIOUSLY WRITTEN OFF ARE RECORDED AS REDUCTION TO BAD DEBT EXPENSE WHEN RECEIVED. INTEREST IS NOT CHARGED ON PATIENT ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. PART III, LINE 8: THE MEDICARE ALLOWABLE COSTS WERE OBTAINED FROM THE HOSPITAL'S MEDICARE COST REPORT. PART VI, LINE 2: TO ASSESS THE HEALTH CARE NEEDS OF THE POPULATION BASE OF GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL, THE FACILITY IS HEAVILY INVOLVED WITH THE AREAS COMMUNITY FORUMS. THROUGH THIS VENUE THE HOSPITAL TAKES THE INQUIRIES THAT ARE VOICED AND APPLIES AN ECONOMIC FORECAST TO THE PROGRAM TO VERIFY ITS STABILITY. THE FACILITY ALSO USES THE BUREAU FOR PUBLIC HEALTH, FOR RISK FACTORS THAT WOULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE LIVES OF THE POPULATION THAT GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL SERVES. PART VI, LINE 3: THE PATIENT POPULATION IS EDUCATED AND INFORMED OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS THROUGH THE FINANCIAL COUNSELORS AND ADMISSION PERSONNEL. THE HOSPITAL ALSO HAS THIS INFORMATION PUBLISHED IN THE PUBLIC AREAS WITHIN THE HOSPITAL. PART VI, LINE 4: GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL IS A CRITICAL ACCESS FACILITY LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF GRAFTON, WEST VIRGINIA, OPERATING A 25-BED ACUTE CARE FLOOR, AN EMERGENCY ROOM OPEN 24/7, A REHABILITATION AND FITNESS CENTER, AND A TOTAL CARE CLINIC. THE HOSPITAL'S SERVICE AREA HAS BEEN DEFINED BASED ON PATIENT DAYS, DISCHARGES AND CHARGES COMPILED BY ZIP CODE DURING THE PREPARATION OF THE LATEST COMMUNITY HEALTH NEEDS ASSESSMENT (2022). THE SERVICE AREA IS CONCENTRATED IN GRAFTON, WV AND SPANS THE COUNTIES OF TAYLOR, PRESTON AND BARBOUR, WEST VIRGINIA. THERE ARE TWO OTHER RURAL 25-BED CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITALS LOCATED WITHIN THE SERVICE AREA, THE PRESTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN KINGWOOD, WV, AND THE BROADDUS HOSPITAL IN PHILIPPI, WV. THE POPULATION COVERAGE BY THE SERVICE AREA IS APPROXIMATELY 67,000. THE HOSPITAL'S SERVICE AREA DEMOGRAPHICS CARRY A COMMUNITY NEED INDEX (CNI) RANGE OF 2.4 TO 2.8, INDICATING A MODERATE COMMUNITY SOCIOECONOMIC NEED. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE POPULATION IS US-BORN, WITH A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF NON-US-BORN RESIDENTS. THE RACIAL COMPOSITION IS PREDOMINANTLY WHITE (NON-HISPANIC), WITH A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE POPULATION LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LINE. THE COMBINED MEDICARE AND MEDICAID POPULATION IS APPROXIMATELY 20% FOR BOTH PRESTON AND BARBOUR COUNTIES. ALL THREE COUNTIES IN THE HOSPITAL'S PRIMARY SERVICE AREA ARE DESIGNATED "SHORTAGE AREAS" BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. THE COUNTIES ARE DESIGNATED HPSA'S (HEALTH PROFESSIONAL SHORTAGE AREA) FOR PRIMARY CARE, DENTAL AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. ALL THREE COUNTIES ARE ALSO DESIGNATED AS MUA'S AND/OR MUP'S (MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED AREAS/POPULATIONS). PART VI, LINE 5: THE ORGANIZATION'S HEALTH CARE FACILITIES FURTHER ITS EXEMPT PURPOSE IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: THE ORGANIZATION'S GOVERNING BODY IS COMPRISED OF PERSONS WHO RESIDE IN THE ORGANIZATION'S PRIMARY SERVICE AREA AND ARE NOT CONTRACTORS OF THE ORGANIZATION, NOR FAMILY MEMBERS THEREOF. THE ORGANIZATION EXTENDS MEDICAL STAFF PRIVILEGES TO ALL QUALIFIED PROVIDERS IN ITS COMMUNITY FOR SOME OR ALL OF ITS DEPARTMENTS. THE ORGANIZATION OPERATES AN EMERGENCY ROOM AVAILABLE TO ALL, REGARDLESS OF ABILITY TO PAY. SPECIALIZED SERVICES OFFERED BY THE ORGANIZATION THAT ARE NOT AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE INCLUDE PULMONOLOGY, CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE, GENERAL SURGERY, INTERNAL MEDICINE, AND FAMILY MEDICINE. THE ORGANIZATION SERVES AS A VEHICLE FOR ATTRACTING CHARITABLE SUPPORT, AS WELL AS A SOURCE OF COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES. PART VI, LINE 6: GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL IS MANAGED BY MON HEALTH SYSTEM, INC., LOCATED IN MORGANTOWN, WV. THROUGH THAT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT, AFFILIATES OF THE MON HEALTH SYSTEM DO PROVIDE RESOURCES TO PROMOTE HEALTH IN THE GRAFTON COMMUNITY. X X X 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 THOMAS STEVENS DO PHYSICIAN 317467 0 93293 0 15673 0 0 0 0 0 426433 0 0 0 ANDREW BERARDINELLI MD PHYSICIAN 338071 0 66812 0 15000 0 0 0 2569 0 422452 0 0 0 JOSEPH DUVERT MD PHYSICIAN 390492 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3093 0 393585 0 0 0 DAVID BENDER MD EXECUTIVE CREDENTIALS CHAIR 305533 0 49562 0 9057 0 0 0 7441 0 371593 0 0 0 THOMAS WILSHIRE DO PHYSICIAN 314326 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6569 0 320895 0 0 0 FORM 990, PART IV, LINE 23 GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL HAS A MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH MONONGALIA HEALTH SYSTEM. MELISSA LOCKWOOD IS THE CONTRACTED CAO THROUGH THIS AGREEMENT. THE PORTION OF HER 2022 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS ALLOCATED TO GRAFTON CITY HOSPITAL FOR HER CAO SERVICES WAS $103,361. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B THE FORM 990 WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER AND CFO BEFORE IT IS FILED. A COPY OF THE FINAL FORM 990 WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRIOR TO FILING. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C TRUSTEES ARE MADE AWARE OF THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. SHOULD A TRUSTEE FEEL THERE IS A SUBJECT IN WHICH THEY HAVE A CONFLICT, THEY RECUSE THEMSELVES FROM THE DISCUSSION AND ANY POSSIBLE ACTION. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15 A COMPENSATION COMMITTEE DETERMINES THE COMPENSATION OF THE CEO AND OTHER OFFICERS BY COMPARING SALARIES WITH OTHER HOSPITALS LOCATED IN THE WEST VIRGINIA CRITICAL ACCESS HOSPITAL NETWORK WITH BOARD APPROVAL. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 18 THE ORGANIZATION MAKES ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19 THE ORGANIZATION MAKES ITS GOVERNING DOCUMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC UPON REQUEST. FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C: THE ORGANIZATION'S FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS SELECTS THE INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT. THIS PROCESS REMAINS UNCHANGED FROM PRIOR YEARS.