A Week In Business

CAR Seeking To
Protect Deduction
BERLIN — The Coastal Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors are issuing a call to action to Senate Finance Committee members for any tax legislation to “do no harm” to the economy by retaining the deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes, the capital gains exclusion on proceeds from the sale of a principal residence and extension of mortgage cancellation relief.
“Part of our mission is to advocate and protect private property rights,” said Sheila Dodson, CAR Executive Director. “We are taking a stand on tax reform because it is essential for mortgage deductions to remain viable for home owners to ensure growth and prosperity throughout our neighborhoods. If the goal is to help grow the economy, any and all real estate deductions should be maintained under the tax code.”
“From the 800 individual tax returns we file every year, three-quarters of them include real estate tax deductions,” said Rob Davis, partner at Holloway & Marvel, P.A. “The average tax benefit to the tax payer is about $3,500. Eliminate the deductions, and you are literally taking thousands of dollars out of peoples’ pockets.”
Senators have until July 26 to submit legislative language or detailed proposals for the way in which tax expenditures should be added back to the tax code. Several lawmakers have already defended the home-mortgage interest deduction, which is one of the most expensive tax breaks and is estimated to cost the government roughly $70 billion in 2013.

Coordinator Honored
BERLIN – Atlantic General Hospital Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator William Boothe has been chosen by the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience students of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore as Preceptor of the Year.
The APPE, or Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience, occurs during the third and final year of curriculum for students at UMES School of Pharmacy. Atlantic General’s pharmacy offers several applied courses to help UMES pharmacy students fulfill this requirement, including advanced institutional pharmacy, acute care pharmacy and hematology/oncology. Boothe has been serving as preceptor for UMES pharmacy students since 2010.
Boothe graduated from West Virginia University School of Pharmacy in Morgantown, W.Va. and completed his residency at the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, Va. Boothe has been with Atlantic General Hospital as a clinical pharmacist since 2009 and has recently been promoted to pharmacy clinical coordinator.

Branch Managed Named
SALISBURY — Edward M. Thomas, President and CEO of The Bank of Delmarva, recently announced that Salli A. Goodrich has joined the Bank as branch manager and loan officer for the Laurel location. Goodrich joins the bank with over 31 years of experience.

Designation Achieved
SALISBURY — The Bariatric Surgery program at Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC) in Salisbury has been designated for a third consecutive cycle as an Aetna Institute of Quality Bariatric Surgery Facility for treating individuals living with morbid or extreme obesity.
With this recognition, Peninsula Regional continues to be part of the nationwide Aetna Institutes of Quality (IOQ) Bariatric Surgery Network. Programs are re-evaluated every two years.
The designation is earned based on measures of clinical performance, access and efficiency. Bariatric programs like Peninsula Regional’s that are awarded the designation must have in place evidence-based and recognized standards for clinical outcomes, processes of care and patient safety.
Aetna makes information about the quality and cost of health care services available to its members to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. In line with this goal, Aetna recognizes hospitals and facilities in its network that offer specialized clinical services for certain health conditions. Facilities, like PRMC, are selected for the unique expertise in consistently delivering evidence-based, safe care.
Over 200 bariatric procedures are performed annually at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, making it the regional leader in the specialized weight reduction surgeries.
In addition to this and other bariatric designations, Peninsula Regional Medical Center is accredited as a Level I facility by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). The MBSAQIP accreditation program provides confirmation that a bariatric surgery center has a demonstrated commitment to the highest quality care for its patients.
“This is an exciting re-designation from Aetna,” said Dr. Peggy Naleppa, MS, MBA, FACHE, and Peninsula Regional President/CEO. “We provide exceptional care to our patients, and it’s always gratifying to have this level of national recognition to confirm that our commitment to outstanding care and patient safety is on par with the best bariatric programs in the United States.”