Title
a. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute amendment No. 1 to the agreement (A-14382) with Cynthia Harlowe for consulting services related to Joint Commission accreditation, extending the agreement an additional two (2) year period (July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023) for a revised full agreement term of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2023, and adding $250,000 for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $750,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute amendment No. 1 to the agreement (A-14382) with Cynthia Harlowe for consulting services related to Joint Commission accreditation, extending the agreement an additional two (2) year period (July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023) for a revised full agreement term of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2023, and adding $250,000 for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $750,000.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Healthcare organizations are faced with an increase in patients with mental illness requiring hospitalization. Due to the vulnerability of such patients, psychiatric units are heavily regulated. The Joint Commission, California Department of Public Health, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services each have regulations and standards specific to psychiatric units that require compliance in order to maintain licensure, accreditation, and participation in federally funded programs.
The Consultant shall continue to provide support and guidance to the Mental Health Unit Nursing Director related to specific requirements for psychiatric units and best practices for care of patients with mental illness. Contractor will help ensure ongoing compliance with accreditation and regulatory requirements and develop plans of correction, as needed.
The Consultant will continue to be available to NMC for consulting on other licensing and accreditation issues as determined by the hospital Chief Executive Officer or Chief Quality Officer. Potential areas of consultation may include matters related to the Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
This request extends the term of the agreement for an additional two (2) years.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed and approved this amendment No. 1 as to form, and the Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved as to payment provisions. The amendment No. 1 has also been reviewed and approved by NMC’s Finance Committee and by its Board of Trustees on May 14, 2021.
FINANCING:
The cost for this renewal and amendment No. 1 is $250,000 of which $125,000 is included in the Fiscal Year 2021-22 Recommended Budget. Amounts for remaining years of the agreement will be included in those budgets as appropriate.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
To improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services. By providing standardized orders for common clinical conditions, we increase the quality of care and adherence to best practices throughout the hospital.
__ Economic Development
__ Administration
X Health and Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Charles Harris, MD, Chief Quality Officer, 783-2785
Approved by: Gary R. Gray, DO, Chief Executive Officer, 783-2553
Attachments:
Cynthia Harlowe Amendment No. 1
Cynthia Harlowe Agreement
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board