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Specialty Lines
As we move into February, the boards of our insurance programs start their annual meeting schedule, organize, elect officers and begin their work. With over 80 people on the eight insurance boards, we have great representation geographically and by size of county. And once again, every county in Pennsylvania is a member of at least one of CCAP's insurance programs.
I've provided a listing below of boards members by program. We have at least 11 new board members (a couple boards are still completing nominations and elections for board positions).
You've probably noticed the tag line on emails from the insurance staff: Owned By Members - Governed By Members - Service To Members. All of our insurance programs are owned by the members who participate in the program. For example, the bylaws indicate should the insurance program go out of business, and if there are assets left once all claims and expenses are paid, those funds are distributed to the members. Also, every insurance board has a portion of the board members elected directly by the members, and many have requirements for representatives from each class of county.
More to the point of this note, the programs truly are governed by the members, through the board of directors. Everyone on the board has to be from a member county or county related entity (with the exception of our two Vermont based captive insurance companies who must have a Vermont resident on the board). The boards meet regularly to receive reports and updates on all aspects of the program, set goals and direct staff and contractors in the provision of services to the members.
We are very thankful for the time and talent given to CCAP's programs by those who serve on our governing boards. Make sure you check out the listing below, and give your feedback to those board members to ensure you are getting the services you need.
Make sure you contact us when you need help with something,
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2016 Insurance Board Elections and Appointment Update
Every year we see some changes in the composition of the insurance boards which govern CCAP's member service programs. This is especially true after a commissioner election year. Our tradition has been to delay appointments and elections until after the new boards of commissioners have taken office, in order to allow participation by newly elected officials.
While the elections process is not yet done, here is an update on some new appointments to the various boards. Most of the boards have not yet met in 2016, so they have not elected officers. We will provide an update on that once all have met.
CCAP Health Alliance
New Board Members:
- Barry Dallara, Bedford County Commissioner
- GeorgeAnna Ferrara, Human Resources Director, Carbon-Monroe-Pike MH/DS
- Janis Kemmer, Elk County Commissioner
Continuing Board Members:
- Tiffany Bloyer, Franklin County Director of Human Resources
- Erick Coolidge, Tioga County Commissioner
- Trisha Douglas, Clarion County Director of HR
- Steve Howsare, SW Regional Planning Commission Executive Director
- Basil Huffman, Forest County Commissioner
- Karen King, Lawrence County Director of Personnel
- Gail Kipp, Columbia County Chief Clerk
- Matt McConnell, Mercer County Commissioner
- Arnie Wetzel, Berks County HR Director
COMCARE PRO Subscribers Advisory Committee
Continuing SAC Members:
- Scott Suhring, CEO, Capital Area Behavioral Health Collaborative, President
- Allison Frantz, Director, Department of Human Services, Northampton County, Vice President
- Jonna DiStefano, Executive Director, Delaware County Human Services
- Rick Kastner, Executive Director Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Commission
- Jim Gallagher, CEO, Northeastern Behavioral Health Care Consortium
- Dave McAdoo, Executive Director, Southwest Behavioral Health Management, Inc.
- Derick White, SRS, Vermont Resident Director
Deferred Compensation Advisory Committee
Continuing Members:
- Dennis Stuckey, Lancaster County Commissioner, Chairman
- Roger Bunn, Tioga County Commissioner
- Kevin Kodish, Mifflin County Commissioner
- Mark Lessig, Crawford County Administrator
- Charles Martin, Franklin County HR Associate
- Daryl Miller, Bradford County Commissioner
- Mark Scott, Berks County Commissioner
PComp Board of Directors
New Board Members:
- Mike Baker, Indiana County Commissioner
- Sabrina Fischer, Erie County HR Director
- Mark McCracken, Clearfield County Commissioner
- Wylie Norton, Sullivan County Commissioner
- John Christopher Soff, Crawford County Commissioner
- Jeff Snyder, Clinton County Commissioner
Continuing Board Members:
- Dan Vogler, Lawrence County Commissioner, Chairman
- Vicky Botjer, Wayne County Chief Clerk
- Jim Martin, Adams County Commissioner
- Doug McLinko, Bradford County Commissioner
- Dee Robinson, Union County Chief Clerk
- Derek Williams, Tioga County Chief Clerk
- Jean Zore, Elk County Chief Clerk
PCoRP Board of Directors
New Board Members:
- Carl Geffken, Berks County Chief Operating Officer
- Mark Partner, Juniata County Commissioner
- Mark Sather, Huntingdon County Commissioner
Continuing Board Members:
- Erick Coolidge, Tioga County Commissioner, Vice Chairman
- Paul Crooks, Bedford County Commissioner
- Krista Davis, Centre County Risk Management Coordinator
- Gail Kipp, Columbia County Chief Clerk
- Bill Gaylord, Wyoming County Chief Clerk, Secretary/Treasurer
- Dee Robinson, Union County Chief Clerk
- Paul Rudy, Jr., Perry County Commissioner
- Frank Staudenmeier, Schuylkill County Commissioner, Chairman
- Norm Wimer, Forest County Commissioner
- Jamie Wolgemuth, Lebanon County Chief Clerk
PELICAN Subscribers Advisory Committee
Continuing SAC Members:
- Kelly Andrisano, Executive Director, PACAH, President
- Marlin Peck, Administrator, York County Home, Vice President
- Dennis Biondo, Executive Director, John J. Kane Centers
- James Aurand, Administrator, Susque-View Home
- Terry Brennan, Administrator, Berks Heim
- Diane Cleary, Vermont Director
- Molly Hess, Administrator, Philadelphia Nursing Home
- Andrew Naugle, Administrator, Saxony Health Center
- Edna Youngster, Risk Management Coordinator/Investigative Nurse, Gracedale Nursing Home
PIMCC Board of Directors
Continuing Board Members:
- Dave Kovach, Columbia County Commissioner, Chairman
- Eloise Ahner, Carbon County Administrator
- Terry Browning, Tioga County Warden
- Kevin DeParlos, Lycoming County Warden
- Kevin Kodish, Mifflin County Commissioner
The nomination and election process for the five elected positions on the PIMCC Board is still underway.
UC Trustees
Continuing Board Members:
- Derek Williams, Tioga County Chief Clerk, Chairman
- Mark Agutter, Bradford County HR director
- Kevin Barnhardt, Berks County Commissioner
- Robb Green, York County Controller
- Travis Monroe, Bucks County Human Resources Director
- Jeff Thomas, Huntingdon County Commissioner
- Ron Williams, Wyoming County Commissioner
The nomination and election process for three of the five elected positions on the UC Trustees is still underway.
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PCoRP Clarifies Volunteer Liability Coverage
PCoRP has received questions concerning its liability coverage for county volunteers. One specific example concerns the scope of coverage under the PCoRP Coverage Document for individuals who volunteer to serve as part of a sheriff's posse. This issue was presented to the PCoRP Board of Directors at it's annual January retreat.
Because of the potentially significant, and unanticipated risk that is associated with untrained volunteers who are involved with law enforcement activities, the PCoRP Board concluded that coverage will not be provided for volunteers who are involved in law enforcement activities. This clarification is in effect for the entire 2015 - 2016 policy year. The Board also directed that the Coverage Document be revised to provide a definition of "Volunteer" so as to expressly exclude those volunteers who are engaging in law enforcement activities, as well as certain other hazardous, high risk activities that PCoRP never intended to cover. The Board intends to take action on this definitional clarification at its meeting in April, and that definition will be added to the Coverage Document effective with the June 1, 2016 renewal.
A memo outlining this clarification is being sent to all PCoRP members and their local insurance producers.
The memo is intended to clarify and confirm the lack of coverage for such volunteer activities, as the Coverage Document was never intended to provide such coverage. Even though this coverage was not intended to be provided, an Amendment to the Coverage Document will also be provided to PCoRP members to reflect the same. In addition, the memo also provides notice to the members that the Board intends to take action on the definition of "Volunteer" so as to expressly provide the exclusions referenced above.
If you have any questions about this clarification and anticipated amendment, please do not hesitate to contact John Sallade, direct line (717) 736-4709, or (800) 895-9039 x 3309. |
PComp Annual Membership Meeting - March 13!
Register now for the PComp Annual Membership Dinner meeting, Sunday March 13 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is held in conjunction with the CCAP Spring Conference, at the Harrisburg Hilton. Attendance is free for representatives of PComp's members, PComp local insurance producers, and their guests. PComp is CCAP's workers' compensation insurance pool.
The dinner meeting will include a brief update on the status of PComp, and presentation of the annual PComp awards recognizing the risk management work of PComp members.
To register contact Susan Horne at CCAP. For more information about the meeting, contact John Sallade at CCAP. |
Let's Think Spring!
The CCAP Insurance Programs will be offering a full slate of excellent training opportunities starting in March. Planning is underway to offer sessions on reasonable drug suspicion, communication (Verbal Judo), prison risk management, workers' compensation as well as our first Safety Committee Workshop. Please refer to our save the date flyer on our website.
The spring edition of the Glimpse will be coming out in late February with a new look. If you don't already receive the training catalog but would like too, please reach out to Linda Rosito.
We continue to collaborate with The Academy for Excellence in County Government and offer additional opportunities to fulfill your personal development required course as well as some elective credits. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Linda Rosito, Risk Management Training Director at (717) 736-4728.
Thank you for your continued support of the CCAP Insurance Programs trainings! And we look forward to seeing you in the spring! |
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Expanding Efforts to treat Opioid Overdoses
Addiction to opioids such as heroin, morphine and prescription pain relievers continues to challenge the social and economic wellbeing of counties big and small. Heroin use specifically has increased dramatically in the past five years, and subsequently, overdose-related deaths have more than doubled from 2011 to 2014. In an effort to provide assistance with this national epidemic, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy hosted a community forum on the opioid overdose in Knox County, Tennessee. At this forum, state and local leaders announced that the National Association of Counties, the National Governors Association, the National League of Cities, and the United States Conference of Mayors with the U.S. Communities Government Purchasing Alliance, Premier, Inc., and Adapt Pharma are offering NARCANŽ Nasal Spray at a 40-percent discount.
NARCANŽ, a potentially lifesaving opioid withdrawal medication, is the only FDA-approved, ready-to-use nasal spray version of naloxone hydrochloride. It can stop or reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, and access to this medication will allow public agencies to combat the number of drug-related overdose deaths across the country. Adapt Pharma is offering a 40-percent discount, $37.50 per dose ($75 for a 2 pack carton) in an effort to make the medication more affordable and accessible, through the U.S. Communities Purchasing Alliance and Premier, Inc. NARCANŽ is a simple product; its ease of use can save lives, even in the most high stress situations.
"The Administration has made it a top priority to expand access to the overdose reversal drug naloxone and medication-assisted treatment because we have lost too many of our family members and friends to the opioid epidemic," said White House National Drug Policy Control Director Michael Botticelli. "This public-private partnership to secure discounts for state and local agencies can help ensure that these life-saving medications are available wherever they are needed."
The National Governors Association threw support behind the agreement and highlighted the collaboration as an effective one. "Governors are at the forefront of the fight against opioid abuse," said National Governors Association Chair Utah Governor Gary Herbert. "At the last NGA Summer Meeting, governors convened to discuss the opioid epidemic. There we discussed that to turn the tide, there must be a coordinated response across all levels of government, which this purchasing effort helps to achieve."
Clarence Anthony, CEO and executive director of the National League of Cities, emphasized the importance of cooperation among Adapt Pharma and U.S. Communities. He stated that "American cities are facing an epidemic of opioid addiction. Providing affordable access to drugs like NARCANŽ Nasal Spray is critical to saving lives in the event of an opioid overdose. This public-private partnership is a vital step in stemming the opioid addiction epidemic in our communities."
NARCANŽ is also a simple product; its ease of use can save lives, even in the most high stress situations, and even when administered by understandably panicked bystanders.
The National Association of Counties views the offering as a perfect fit for its Safe and Secure Counties Initiative, and will continue to work with state associations of counties to develop policy recommendations and promote promising practices to address the opioid epidemic plaguing communities. "Medication-assisted opioid treatment can mean the difference between life and death," said NACo President Sallie Clark, commissioner, El Paso County, Colo. "We see the devastating effects of prescription drug abuse and heroin use because counties are at the intersection of the local health, justice and public safety systems. We welcome this public-private partnership to support our response to this national crisis."
U.S. Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director, Tom Cochran, understands how critical it is for local leaders to take advantage of this enormous opportunity. "Mayors across this nation are grappling with solutions to address the exponential rise in opioid overdoses occurring in our cities. We believe the expanded availability of this treatment is another tool for mayors and cities to use in their efforts to stem this epidemic," he stated. The U.S. Conference of Mayors created a special mayors' task force on substance abuse, prevention and recovery services, which will be headed by Boston Mayor Martin Walsh with the support of the organization's president, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
Drug abuse can be absolutely devastating for individuals, families, and communities. The announcement of the discounted offering of NARCANŽ is an indication that local leaders and organizations are willing to unite with private companies to combat addiction and overdose deaths.
U.S. Communities combines the purchasing power of more than 62,000 public agencies. The program offers no user fees, best overall supplier government pricing, quality brands, integrity, experience, and oversight by public purchasing professionals. For more information, please visit www.uscommunities.org. For more information on how U.S. Communities is poised to combat prescription drug abuse and heroin use, please visit www.uscommunities.org/suppliers/premier-medical/combating-drug-abuse/.
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Freezing Pipe Season
We are in the middle of winter and resultant freezing pipe exposures. Many members have already experienced losses due to freezing pipes, and the subsequent damage can be expensive to repair and disruptive to the county operation.
Conventional theory dictates when water in a pipe freezes and expands, it pushes outward on the pipe walls until they stretch and burst. But a study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign indicates that while this can happen, it rarely does. It is more common for the ice to form within the pipe and then tries to expand along the length of the pipe. Water is incompressible, so where water is confined between the expanding ice and a closed fixture, the pressure increases until the pipe ruptures. The rupture will occur at the weakest part of the pipe holding the confined fluid. Therefore, the pipe most likely bursts away from the actual freeze location, and water pressure in a confined volume is a critically important part of the underlying cause. The size of pipes and their composition (e.g., copper or PVC) have some bearing on how fast ice forms. However, they are relatively minor factors in pipe bursting compared with the absence of heat, pipe insulation and exposure to a flow of subfreezing air. Typically for pipes in unprotected areas, the "temperature alert threshold" is 20 degrees F.
Some Solutions
The best way to prevent a pipe from freezing is to keep it warm enough so the water within remains above the freezing point. I know, a "DUH" statement.
While the ideal situation is proper building engineering regarding water pipe installations, we know the age and construction of our buildings often do not meet current standards.
In certain circumstances, one may have to install heat trace on a pipe exposed to freezing potential. Heat trace is a resistance heating tape that wraps around the pipe and uses electricity to keep it from freezing. Unfortunately, this is expensive to install and operate, and becomes ineffective if there is a power outage.
For pipes that are not actively kept warm, it is possible to slow cooling by insulating the pipe. Insulation helps prevent freezing in two ways. First, the insulation works by slowing the rate of conductive cooling-that is, water losing heat directly to the pipe walls, and the pipe walls losing heat directly to the surrounding air. Second, insulation can also provide protection against convective cooling, which is, cooling that results from cold air blowing on the pipe and carrying heat away at an accelerated rate. Where a pipe is exposed to an air leak, the cold air blowing against the pipe will rapidly increase the rate of cooling and subsequently increase the pipe's vulnerability to freezing, a kind of wind-chill effect.
Another way to prevent bursting is to relieve the pressure on both sides of a freeze. In many instances, outdoor water faucets may be winterized by closing a valve inside the building, somewhere along the length of the pipe, and then opening the outdoor tap. Even if the tap is opened only long enough to partially drain the line, once it is closed, there will result a volume of air between the faucet and the water that remains in the pipe. In this case, the expanding ice will tend to compress the air volume and prevent the pressure from exceeding the strength of the pipe and its connections.
Allowing a faucet to drip on a pipe section likely to freeze, may prevent or delay a bursting situation.
If A Pipe Freezes
- If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters the building through the foundation.
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the area begins to melt, water will begin to flow. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
- Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
- Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
- Check all other water outlets to determine if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
For more information, contact the CCAP Risk Control Department at (800) 895-9039; or email us at:
Dennis Cutler, Senior Risk Control Specialist |
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Nationwide Economics - That January Gloom
Weekly Economic Review and Outlook - January 19, 2016
- Retail sales were weaker than expected in December, falling 0.1 percent for the month and only rising 2.2 percent for all of 2015.
- The sharp decline in financial markets extended into a second week as oil prices dipped below $30/barrel and global growth concerns remained.
Coming off of a very positive jobs report economic data was weaker last week and the selloff in financial markets continued in force. Retail sales ended 2015 on a sour note with a 0.1 percent decline in December, extending a streak of disappointing monthly numbers For the year retail sales grew a meager 2.2 percent, much weaker than anticipated given strong job growth. Even core retail sales (excluding autos, building materials, food and gasoline stations) fell 0.3 percent in December - the weakest reported figure since February. At the same time, however, consumer sentiment continues to rise, with another modest increase in the first half of January. Despite mixed economic news and slumping equity markets, consumers remain upbeat about the prospects for near term growth.
Industrial production data was also weak in December, falling for the fourth consecutive month. While manufacturing remains stagnant due to the higher U.S. dollar and weaker global demand, utilities pulled down the index again in December amid record mild weather.
Capacity utilization is falling as well, reaching a 30-month low of 76.5 percent, as manufacturing, mining, and utility
output declined.
The selling frenzy in financial markets continued in the second week of January as oil plumbed new lows and economic data missed expectations. Before edging higher to end trading on Friday, the S&P 500 index even briefly dipped below the lows from last August and is down
more than 8.0 percent so far in 2016.Crude oil closed below $30/barrel on Friday for the first time since
November 2003. Amid the market turmoil, Treasury rates are falling as well - the 10-year yield once again fell below 2.0 percent.
It is important to remember that this short term volatility in equity markets is being driven primarily by weaker
international trends, rather than domestic weakness. More than two thirds of the earnings for S&P 500 companies are generated at home. The positive feedback loops in the U.S. economy from a strong labor market and lower energy costs should cause stock prices to trend upward over time. For now, expect continued volatility until oil prices stabilize and/or growth readings from international economies improve.
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Nationwide/NACo 2016 College Scholarship
For the eleventh consecutive year, Nationwide and the National Association of Counties are offering college scholarships of $2,500 each.
High school seniors whose parents, grandparents or legal guardians actively contribute to a 457(b) plan offered through the NACo Deferred Compensation Program are encouraged to apply.
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Upcoming Events
PComp Board Meeting
February 19, 2016
CCAP Office, Harrisburg
2016 CCAP Spring Conference March 13 - 15, 2016 Hilton Harrisburg |
New CCAP Associate Members
Please join us in welcoming the following new associate members to CCAP. AT&T and Weber Murphy Fox, Inc. joined the organization in January 2016:
AT&T
Communications, Technology
AT&T is a global telecommunications company with strong roots in Pennsylvania's communities. AT&T helps millions around the globe connect with leading entertainment, mobile, high speed Internet and voice services. With the acquisition of DirecTV, AT&T is the world's largest provider of pay TV with customers in the U.S. and eleven Latin American countries. AT&T's wireless network offers the nation's strongest LTE signal and the most reliable 4G LTE network. AT&T offers the best global wireless coverage and helps businesses and governments in Pennsylvania and throughout the world serve their customers with fiber, mobility and secure cloud solutions. Weber Murphy Fox, Inc.
Architects, Construction
WMF is a full service design and construction company with offices in Erie and State College. Our government and municipal team has extensive experience delivering value under a range of client driven options, from initial consulting through project delivery. We offer no cost initial assessments to assist our governmental clients in determining the feasibility, scope, and cost parameters that in turn offers the greatest value for your community and constituency. |
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HOT TOPIC
Volunteers
Insurance coverage for volunteers can be a tricky thing. See the article in this issue about PCoRP's liability coverage for volunteers for a little slice of the matter. There are some important considerations with regard to county volunteers.
First, make sure you have a good process to manage volunteers. In many cases you could be liable for what they do. At the very least the county could be included in lawsuits for actions of a county volunteer. As with employees, you should provide them with a job description, and make it clear what they can and cannot do. For example, do you really want a volunteer driving a county vehicle?
Second, training is key. Don't let them perform duties for the county without explaining how the work is to be done.
Management of all the county volunteers is essential. Someone needs to know who all the volunteers are. PCoRP's liability coverage, for example, specifies that the coverage is for county volunteers of the member, meaning the county commissioners, who purchase the coverage from PCoRP, must approve the volunteers. So make sure you know who all these folks are.
Workers' compensation is also a major issue. In Pennsylvania the law does not require insurers to cover most volunteers (volunteer firefighters is a notable exception). CCAP's workers' compensation pool, PComp, does not cover volunteers. So if a volunteer gets hurt as part of their role with the county, they should not be seeking workers' compensation coverage for their injuries.
For more information, contact Karen Cohen at CCAP.
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Quote of the Month
"To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity."
- Douglas Adams
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