Title
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Amend Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution No. 98-394 to add the classification of Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner - Per Diem
b. Amend Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution No. 98-394 to add special pays for the classification of Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner - Per Diem as provided in Attachment PPPR Amendments
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt a Resolution to:
a. Amend Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution No. 98-394 to add the classification of Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner - Per Diem
b. Amend Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution No. 98-394 to add special pays for the classification of Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner - Per Diem as provided in Attachment PPPR Amendments
SUMMARY:
This action creates the classification of Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner - Per Diem to enable the Health Department to meet its contractual obligations to provide Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) services
DISCUSSION:
The Monterey County Health Department is contracted to provide Sexual Assault Forensic Exam services. The Health Department employs a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Coordinator who trains, schedules and oversees the work of sexual assault forensic examiners who provide on-site adult suspected sexual assault and pediatric suspected sexual abuse exams on both victims and suspects as part of the County's SART interdisciplinary team comprised of the examiner, a law enforcement officer and an advocate. The Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner also testifies in court as required.
Sexual assault forensic exam is a specialized field requiring advanced training of medical practitioners in adult and pediatric forensic exams. Pursuant to California Penal Code 13823.5 (e), a SAFE must be a Qualified Health Care Professional, defined as: Any physician or surgeon, or a nurse or a professional registered nurse working in consultation with a physician and surgeon who conducts examinations or provides treatment in a general acute care hospital or in a physicians or surgeon's office.
The County has existing classifications of Staff Nurse, Clinic Nurse, Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant, all of which can qualify for certification to perform sexual assault forensic exams. However, each of these classifications performs a different body of work dependent upon their licensure, and as a result, the compensation for these classifications varies significantly. The scope of work of a SAFE does not vary based on licensure and therefore should be paid at the same rate without regard to licensure. In addition, the primary activity of the existing classifications is hands on, on-site work. The primary activity of a SAFE, however, is to take standby for extended periods of time and to hold themselves available for response to the site of the exam within one hour.
Because of the unique nature of the SAFE schedules, standard hourly compensation is not typically provided to SAFE's. In addition, because the primary duty of SAFE's is standby, and they are scheduled on an as-needed basis, per diem, rather than regular, employment status is appropriate.
Based on a survey of the County's comparator agencies, compensation of current SART examiners, and budget allocated to this program, the following compensation is recommended for the proposed SAFE classification.
Standby:
$240 for a 24 hour shift (0 to 2400)
Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations:
· SAFE Trainee shall be compensated at a flat rate of $250 per examination observed or performed under observation.
· Clinically Competent SAFE shall be compensated at the flat rate of $400 per examination. This rate shall include any time required for preparation to testify and testifying in court on the case.
Definitions:
Clinically Competent SAFE
A SAFE who has been determined to be clinically competent by SART Coordinator, has completed Conducting Adult Examinations training offered by CA Medical Institute, and is credentialed at NCM.
SAFE Trainee
A Trainee must observe a minimum of four exams and perform a minimum of four exams under observation or until determined to be clinically competent by SART Coordinator.
Therefore, it is recommended that your Board approve the creation of the classification of Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner - Per Diem and the addition of special pays for the classification of Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner - Per Diem as provided in Attachment PPPR Amendments.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Human Resources Department has reviewed and approved this action.
FINANCING:
There are sufficient appropriations in the approved FY 2012-13 Health Budget 4000- HEA003 for the recommended action. Expenditures will be shifted from contractual to personnel line items.
Prepared by: Dianne Dinsmore, Principal Personnel Analyst, 4547
Approved by: Ray Bullick, Director of Health, 4526
Attachments:
Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner - Per Diem Salary String
PPPR Amendments