With the inevitable increase in patients due to the Affordable Care Act's altering the way healthcare is paid for in the United States, Novus Medical Detox is preparing to handle and treat more people by expanding both the center and its staff. The facility is increasing its private beds from 12 to 31, and adding a new wing to offer 10 shared rooms. To successfully handle the higher patient load, Novus has announced the recent hire of Kent Runyon as Novus' new Executive Director.
Runyon joins Novus with over 20 years of management experience and over 15 years of executive-level experience. He has developed and led accredited social services programs addressing human needs, including addiction, trauma, and family reunification. He was facility director of a 180-bed program that received the highest score during an accreditation audit. Based on that experience, Runyon was asked to become an accreditation auditor for healthcare facilities in 1997, and he has been auditing ever since. He received his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Ball State University, and later received his Master's degree in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. He also completed a two-year certified Executive Leadership Program sponsored by the University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business.
Novus is one of the many companies in the industry preparing for an increase in patient admissions. Healthcare jobs are becoming more specialized, a result of the new healthcare law and technological changes. The U.S economy added 45,000 healthcare jobs in December, which needs to continue to grow in South Florida, per Linda Quick, president of the South Florida Hospital and Healthcare Association (1).
"One of the advantages of having more insured people is that with that card in their pocket, they feel that they have greater access and tend not to postpone medical attention," Quick said.
Runyon's new role will help Novus achieve the growth and ability needed to handle the upcoming changes. Runyon came to Novus drawn by their mission and vision to help others through its state-of-the-art medical protocols, proprietary vitamin protocols and individualized treatment plan, to pursue excellence in the field of recovery. With a 90% completion rate of people who start their medical detox at the facility, Novus pays particular attention to strengthening their patients' bodies through their branded I.V. vitamin cocktail that is tailored to make the detox process as painless as possible.
Patients at Novus say they experience newfound respect and care for their total health, making them physically, emotionally and mentally stronger. Each person:
• is treated individually using state-of-the-art medical protocols in combination with natural supplements and nutritious meals;
• has 24/7 access to nursing care and withdrawal specialist assistance; and
• is given instructions on how to continue with supplements, and is helped to select an after-care program.
With his experience in leadership development, as well as program implementation, Runyon is deemed to be a valuable addition to the center.
