• The board was updated that CEO Willie LaCroix had testified before the Department of Health and Human Services applying for a $3.2 million exemption to the nursing home construction and remodeling moratorium. The moratorium is in place because of a surplus of nursing home beds. PAHCS would use the exemption to do further upgrades at the Koronis Manor, which were originally planned as part of the current project but were not done due to the moratorium. (Full story)

• The Koronis Manor's recent deficiency for having its hot water above 115� has been lowered to a �J�, assistant administrator Bev Mueller told the board. PAHCS is now waiting for the Minnesota Department of Health to return and resurvey the Koronis Manor.

• The hospital board will be holding a joint conference committee meeting with the medical staff on Tuesday, Jan. 8, at 6:45 a.m.

• New officers for the medical staff were announced to the board by Dr. Bob Gardner, the outgoing chief of staff. Serving as chief of staff for the next two years will be Dr. Randy Nelson, who will also take Gardner's place on the hospital board. The new vice chief of staff is Dr. Tim Malling, and the new secretary of the medical staff is Dr. Heidi Malling.