Title
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to execute a CalCONNECT System for California Connected Data Use and Disclosure Agreement between the County of Monterey and the California Department of Public Health for electronic disease reporting and surveillance for a term of three years, effective upon execution for three years; and
b. Approve nonstandard risk provisions in Agreement as recommended by the Director of Health; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or the Assistant Director of Health to sign up to three future amendments where the amendments do not significantly change the scope of work.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or Assistant Director of Health to execute a CalCONNECT System for California Connected Data Use and Disclosure Agreement between the County of Monterey and the California Department of Public Health for electronic disease reporting and surveillance for a term of three years, effective upon execution for three years; and
b. Approve nonstandard risk provisions in Agreement as recommended by the Director of Health; and
c. Approve and authorize the Director of Health or the Assistant Director of Health to sign up to three future amendments where the amendments do not significantly change the scope of work.
SUMMARY DISCUSSION:
The CalCONNECT System is an online database that maintains information collected by local health departments, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and their agents related to reportable communicable diseases and conditions. It was initially established in response to the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic and has since been expanded for use to collect information on any other reportable communicable diseases and conditions. The purpose of this database is to improve the quality and efficiency of disease surveillance, intervention, and response activities. CalCONNECT is a secure, web-based electronic system used to collect, organize, and securely share confidential interview information; identify individuals who have been potentially exposed to infectious diseases; and monitor their health. CalCONNECT also includes softphone services, quick connections to Language Line interpretation services, and the ability to send automated electronic messages (text or email) containing health information and/or health surveys.
CDPH offers use of CalCONNECT to local health department at no cost. County of Monterey Health Department first entered into an Agreement with CDPH for the use of CalCONNECT in June 2020. Local Jurisdictions are required to renew data use agreements with CDPH every three (3) years. The Health Department currently uses CalCONNECT to support COVID-19 case and contact investigations, monitoring of travelers returning from countries with outbreaks of Ebola Virus Disease and Marburg Virus, and monitoring of individuals exposed to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2018-2022 Strategic Plan Goals: 2. Enhance public health and safety through prevention; and 3. Ensure access to culturally and linguistically appropriate, customer-friendly, quality health services. It also supports three of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 1. Monitor health status to identify and solve community health problems; 2. Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community; and 9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of person and population-based health services.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel has reviewed and approved this Agreement as to legal form. Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved this Agreement as to fiscal provisions.
FINANCING:
There is no impact to the General Fund resulting from the approval of this action.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services, promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses, and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Brandon Gates, Public Health Program Manager, 755-4128
Approved by:
______________________________Date: ___________________________
Joseph Macaluso, Assistant Director of Health, 809-4790
On behalf of Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Agreement