Operation of PHN Services Returning to the State of Alaska
July 1, 2011
Why is NSHC Ending PHN Services?
After nearly 30 years of service, Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC) is returning the operation of Public Health Nursing (PHN) services to the State of Alaska on July 1, 2011. NSHC’s PHN program received grant funding from the State of Alaska to operate the program. Unfortunately, the funding provided by the grant has not kept pace with the cost of providing services, requiring NSHC to supplement funding for the program. Returning PHN services to State operation, will allow NSHC to focus its funding and efforts on other patient care programs.
NSHC will continue to provide many of the services formerly available from NSHC’s PHN program including adult and child immunizations, well child and EPSDT examinations, and testing and treatment for infectious diseases. For an appointment contact your Village Clinic or Outpatient Clinic at 443-3333.
Transition Date
So that NSHC can prepare the office for the State’s arrival, NSHC’s PHN office and clinic will be closed to the public beginning on June 20th at 5 PM. During the closure, a public health nurse will be available to provide PHN services from 1 PM to 5 PM each weekday at the Outpatient Clinic. For an appointment, call 443-3221.
The State-operated Nome Public Health Center will open for business on July 1, 2011 at 8 AM.
What does this mean to you?
Officials with the State of Alaska have assured NSHC that there will be no reduction in PHN services to the region. While there will be changes to the program over time, patients and staff can expect the primary goals of the program to remain the same – the promotion and protection of public health.
Will the State provide PHN services to the villages?
Yes, the State of Alaska will employ two nurses dedicated to serving the Norton Sound region’s 15 villages. These nurses will travel to their assigned villages every few months to provide PHN services.
Location and Contact Information to Remain the Same
Until further notice, the State of Alaska plans to lease the current space occupied by Public Health Nursing. The address is:
607 Division Street, Ground Floor
Nome, AK 99762
(907) 443-3221
Cost for Service
The State of Alaska does operate on a fee for service basis. No one is denied service if they are unable to pay. NSHC will post on its website the State Notice regarding cost for service and the State’s Fee for Service Form provided to patients that indicates the cost for particular services/procedures.
Immunizations and Immunization Records
The State PHN office will continue to provide immunizations for infants, children, and teens (under 19 years of age). However, NSHC will also be able to provide these immunizations through its Village Clinics and Outpatient Clinic. Adults needing immunizations will need to schedule appointments with their Village Clinic or Outpatient Clinic.
Immunization records are stored on the State of Alaska’s immunization database. Any individual needing immunization records for themselves or their children, can contact the Nome Public Health Center for this information. NSHC will also have access to immunization records and can provide them to appropriate individuals after receiving a valid release form.
What will happen to my other PHN medical records?
All PHN medical records for visits prior to July 1, 2011 will remain the property of NSHC and will be stored appropriately. The Nome Public Health Center will create and maintain its own medical records system for all visits beginning on July 1, 2011.
Transition Process
NSHC and State of Alaska personnel are meeting regularly to plan what we expect will be a smooth transition. Despite our joint efforts to fully prepare, we expect there will be some issues that do not run as smoothly as we hope. Please bear with us during this time. |
