Natrona Collective Health Trust engages PYA for Independent Monitoring Services

The Natrona Collective Health Trust has retained the healthcare compliance and consulting firm PYA to provide independent monitoring services. This engagement will support the Trust’s efforts in evaluating Banner Health’s fulfillment of the commitments made as part of its 2020 acquisition of Wyoming Medical Center.

The Trust’s commitment to the health and well-being of Natrona County residents extends beyond grantmaking, community engagement, and advocacy. The Trust also provides annual financial support to Banner Wyoming Medical Center and is tasked with ensuring compliance with specific terms of the 2020 hospital transaction.

Following a robust RFP process, PYA was selected for its expertise in third-party monitoring of healthcare transactions. The firm brings extensive experience in assessing compliance and performance within the healthcare industry.

“PYA has extensive expertise in the complexities associated with monitoring compliance within healthcare systems,” said Trust Board Chair Eric Nelson. “We are confident that our community will be well served by their diligent analysis and solutions-oriented approach.”

“PYA is honored to serve as the independent monitor for ongoing obligations of Banner Health and Wyoming Medical Center,” said Shannon Sumner, PYA Chief Compliance Officer and Managing Principal. “Our team has begun work to independently assess compliance with those obligations and appreciates the contributions from all involved. We recognize the critical importance of these obligations to the people of Natrona County and surrounding communities, and we will work earnestly to provide our insights.”

For more than 40 years, PYA has provided a wide range of services essential to the operation of healthcare systems in all 50 states, with a strong focus on regulatory compliance. The team is led by Sumner, who is a national expert in healthcare compliance and internal audit and works with clients on monitorships and effective compliance oversight. The team also includes Lee Ann Odom, a former chief executive officer and president of two health systems with deep experience in healthcare operations’ performance often associated with mergers and acquisitions, and Karin Anderson, an attorney and former nurse who has served as legal counsel for health systems and is experienced in achieving regulatory compliance.

PYA’s engagement officially began in January, with initial efforts focused on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the transaction details. The PYA team will assist the Trust in reviewing Banner’s annual report on its commitments and will contribute to the Trust’s annual report to the Natrona County Board of Commissioners. Additionally, PYA will support the development of materials to keep the community informed about the process and Banner’s performance.

Earlier this month, the PYA team visited Casper to tour Wyoming Medical Center and meet with key stakeholders, including Banner WMC leadership, as well as Trust board members and staff. This visit marked the first step in a collaborative effort to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of Banner Health’s commitments.

Banner WMC CEO Lance Porter reflected on his visit with the PYA team and optimism for the process.

“We’re excited to work with an independent third party to verify we’re fulfilling our transaction commitments, and we look forward to showcasing the progress we’ve made to propel our community’s health care forward,” Porter said.

Dave North, Chairman of the Natrona County Board of Commissioners, also weighed in on the engagement, stating, “I appreciate the Health Trust’s efforts to bring on an independent monitor and am hopeful that this outside, neutral expert will provide helpful oversight of Banner’s commitments. I look forward to their report in the coming months.”

For more information on the Trust’s monitoring obligations, visit our Banner WMC monitoring page.