Title
a. Authorize the County Counsel to execute a standard agreement with Hooper, Lundy & Bookman PC, for legal services with respect to healthcare matters, for a maximum County obligation of $900,000 for a term Date Fully Executed through December 31, 2028; and
b. Authorize the County Counsel to execute up to three (3) future amendments that do not exceed 10% ($90,000) of the original agreement, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount over $990,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the County Counsel to execute a standard agreement with Hooper, Lundy & Bookman PC, for legal services with respect to healthcare matters, for a maximum County obligation of $900,000 for a term Date Fully Executed through December 31, 2028; and
b. Authorize the County Counsel to execute up to three (3) future amendments that do not exceed 10% ($90,000) of the original agreement, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount over $990,000.
SUMMARY
Natividad seeks to enter into a new agreement with an existing contractor Hooper, Lundy & Bookman PC (“HLB”). As the largest law firm in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to representing health care clients, and with clients in all 50 states and two U.S. territories, the law firm represents some of the largest and most respected providers and suppliers from coast to coast.
DISCUSSION:
Natividad looks to HLB to identify and evaluate opportunities and challenges, help make informed decisions, and devise and implement strategies to reach its goals. Particular areas of assistance include inpatient and outpatient behavioral health compliance, licensing and accreditation, Medicare and Medi-Cal reimbursement, federal and state privacy and confidentiality requirements, and operational issues.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form and risk provisions, and the Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved as to payment provisions. This Agreement has also been reviewed and approved by Natividad’s Finance Committee and Board of Trustees on January 9, 2025.
FINANCING:
The cost for this agreement is $900,000 of which $300,000 is included in the FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget. Amounts for remaining years of the agreement will be included in those budgets as appropriate. There is no impact on the General Fund with this action.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS SECTION:
The legal services provided by Hooper Lundy & Bookman advance the County’s Strategic Plan in assisting in the expansion of access to exceptional health services, in the growth in non-General-Fund revenues, and in strengthening of Natividad’s long-term fiscal sustainability.
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
X Sustainable Infrastructure for Present and Future
__ Safe and Resilient Communities
__ Diverse and Thriving Economy
X_ Administrative
Prepared by: Daniel Leon, Chief Financial Officer, 783-2561
Approved by: Charles R. Harris, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, 783-2504
Attachments:
Board Report
Hooper, Lundy and Bookman P.C. Agreement
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board