Title
Authorize the Deputy Purchasing Agent for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with California State University at Monterey Bay (CSUMB) for a Master of Science Physician’s Assistant (MSPA) Program at Natividad, with a five year agreement term effective when signed by both parties.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors:
Authorize the Deputy Purchasing Agent for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or his designee to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with California State University at Monterey Bay (CSUMB) for a Master of Science Physician’s Assistant (MSPA) Program at Natividad, with a five year agreement term effective when signed by both parties.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The MSPA Program at California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) is an intense 7-semester, 27-month, full-time health care training program. Cohorts are projected to commence mid-August and follow the traditional CSUMB academic schedule with subsequent cohorts graduating in December each year.
On July 11, 2017, NMC received a Board of Supervisors referral to consider and deliver recommendations to the NMC Board of Trustees and Board of Supervisors regarding participation in the CSUMB MSPA Program.
The aging population, the rapidly increasing rates of chronic diseases, and the Affordable Care Act impacting the demand for health care access drive the local need for more MD’s, DO’s and midlevel providers. In particular, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 30% increase in the job outlook for physician assistants over the next decade. The MSPA Program is an important response to the growing demand for health care providers. MSPA Program includes curricular health care provider training opportunities that are distinctive in serving the diverse people of California, especially the working class and historically undereducated and low-income populations.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed and approved this MOU as to legal form. The MOU has also been reviewed and approved by NMC’s Board of Trustees Executive Committee on July 2, 2019.
FINANCING:
There is no cost associated with this MOU at this time. Let it be noted that on October 10, 2017, the Board of Supervisors approved a funding agreement between Natividad and CSUMB in the amount of $250,000. At that time CSUMB was seeking support from hospitals, clinic networks, organizations, and individuals interested in participating in what will be the first Physician Assistant Program within the entire California State University System. The $250,000 has been used by CSUMB as part of start-up funding to help get the brand new MSPA program off the ground.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Supporting and participating in the MSPA Program leads to a stronger workforce which strengthens economic development within Monterey County. The MSPA Program will ultimately yield qualified professional PAs, some of which are likely to reside in Monterey County working as PAs, strengthening the pool of medical professionals in the area, and thereby further enhancing healthcare opportunities for Monterey County residents.
X Economic Development
__ Administration
X Health and Human Services
__ Infrastructure
__ Public Safety
Prepared by: Dr. Craig Walls, Chief Medical Officer, 783-2521
Approved by: Gary R. Gray, DO, Chief Executive Officer, 783-2504
Attachments:
MOU with CSUMB for MSPA Program
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board