Title
a. Authorize the Interim Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or a designee to execute amendment No. 5 to the agreement (A-13725) with DrFirst.com, Inc. for software licensing and consulting services, extending the agreement an additional three (3) year period (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029) for a revised full agreement term of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2029 and adding $315,420 for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $1,155,591.
b. Authorize the Interim Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or a designee to execute up to three (3) future amendments that do not exceed 10% ($24,900) of the original agreement, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount over $1,180,491.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Interim Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or a designee to execute amendment No. 5 to the agreement (A-13725) with DrFirst.com, Inc. for software licensing and consulting services, extending the agreement an additional three (3) year period (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029) for a revised full agreement term of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2029 and adding $315,420 for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $1,155,591.
b. Authorize the Interim Chief Executive Officer for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or a designee to execute up to three (3) future amendments that do not exceed 10% ($24,900) of the original agreement, do not significantly change the scope of services, and do not increase the total not to exceed amount over $1,180,491.
SUMMARY:
DrFirst is a software suite that provides an electronic prescribing (e-prescribing) platform allowing providers to securely transmit prescriptions electronically to pharmacies. The system supports standard and controlled substance prescribing and is integrated into our clinical workflows at Natividad Medical Center.
Under this agreement, DrFirst will continue to provide access to its e-prescribing services, including the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) module. This module integrates California’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) directly into the prescribing workflow, allowing authorized providers to review Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substance prescription histories at the point-of-care, as required by state law.
Natividad Medical Center will ensure deliverables are met through ongoing system use monitoring, vendor support engagement, and collaboration between clinical leadership, Information Technology, and pharmacy services. System performance, availability, and compliance will continue to be monitored through routine operational processes and vendor support engagement.
Natividad Medical Center is requesting authorization to extend the existing agreement for an additional three (3) years to maintain uninterrupted access to these services.
DISCUSSION
DrFirst services benefit Natividad Medical Center by improving prescribing accuracy, supporting regulatory compliance, and streamlining clinical workflows. Electronic prescribing reduces medication errors, minimizes pharmacy call-backs, and eliminates risks associated with handwritten prescriptions, resulting in increased efficiency and cost savings.
Patients benefit through improved medication safety, fewer prescription delays, and enhanced coordination between providers and pharmacies. The CURES integration supports safer prescribing practices by enabling clinicians to identify potential misuse of high-risk patterns, contributing to improved patient care and safety.
Renewal of this agreement will ensured continued compliance, uninterrupted service, and sustained support for safe and efficient prescribing practices at Natividad Medical Center.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed and approved this amendment No. 5 as to form, and the Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved as to payment provisions. The amendment No. 5 has also been reviewed and approved by NMC’s Finance Committee and by its Board of Trustees on June 5, 2026.
FINANCING:
The cost for this amendment No. 5 is $315,420 of which $105,140 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:
This agreement facilitates access to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. This access is a regulatory requirement and improves patient care at NMC by preventing the over prescribing of controlled substances.
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Prepared by: Raquel Mojica, IT Operations Manager, 783-2812
Approved by: Nancy Buscher, Interim Chief Executive Officer, 783-2560
Attachment(s):
Board Report
DrFirst Amendment No. 5
DrFirst Amendment No. 4
DrFirst Amendment No. 3
DrFirst Amendment No. 2
DrFirst Amendment No. 1
DrFirst Original Agreement
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board