• The board approved amending its smoke-free facility and grounds policy. In September, the board voted to make the Paynesville Area Health Care System smoke-free except for residents of the Koronis Manor in designated areas and residents of 700 Stearns Place in their apartments.

With the ban, employees who smoke have been forced to smoke on the city streets and sidewalks, off the PAHCS grounds. Some employees brought concerns to CEO Willie LaCroix, who brought the issue back to the board.

The board voted 7-3 to amend the smoke-free policy to allow employees to smoke within the courtyard between the hospital, 700 Stearns Place, and Koronis Manor. Read full story here.

• The board acknowledged a $600 donation from the Eden Lake Charity Fund Drive to the Paynesville Area Ambulance.

• The board was informed that PAHCS has been notified that the system was in compliance with the Local Government Pay Equity Act.

• The board voted to continue to have its annual meeting in January.

• The board selected four at-large members to the Paynesville Area Hospital Foundation, Inc. Jerry Braun, Richard Fleischhacker, Dr. Ray Lindeman, and Don Torbenson were selected from a field of eight candidates. Joining them on the board will be five members of the hospital board.

• The board approved Dan Lillquist, physican's assistant, as a permanent member of the medical staff after completing a provisional period.