Title
a. Approve the execution by the County Counsel of Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A-16394 with Garrett Law LLP for the provision of webinar training services for Health Department staff on patient confidentiality and related compliance, extending the term an additional year for a new term of July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025, and increasing the total Agreement amount by $100,000 for a new total Agreement amount of $200,000; and
b. Approve and authorize the County Counsel to execute up to two future Amendments that do not exceed 10% ($10,000) of the original Agreement amount, and does not significantly alter the scope of services, for a maximum Agreement amount of $210,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
a. Approve the execution by the County Counsel of Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. A-16394 with Garrett Law LLP for the provision of webinar training services for Health Department staff on patient confidentiality and related compliance, extending the term an additional year for a new term of July 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025, and increasing the total Agreement amount by $100,000 for a new total Agreement amount of $200,000; and
b. Approve and authorize the County Counsel to execute up to two future Amendments that do not exceed 10% ($10,000) of the original Agreement amount, and does not significantly alter the scope of services, for a maximum Agreement amount of $210,000.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
The County of Monterey, Health Department (CMHD) requires specialized assistance with web-based training programs regarding health data systems and compliance with privacy and confidentiality laws for our administrative and clinical staff.
Garrett Law LLP provides training services on a variety of medical/legal topics, including mandated reporting, patients’ rights, ethics, electronics records, policy development in connection with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and the California Medical Information Act and other federal and state medical confidentiality laws. Garrett Law LLP has an extensive background in Healthcare Risk Management Services, as well as ten years’ experience assisting CMHD with training and providing consultation.
While this work is not directly in support of a Health Department 2018-2024 Strategic Plan Goal, it is in support of one or more of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 5. Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts; 6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety; 8. Assure competent public and personal health care workforce.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of the County Counsel and the Auditor-Controller have reviewed and approved as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
Appropriations for this Agreement are included in the Health Department’s FY 2024-25 Adopted budget. Provision will be made in the Requested Budget for FY 2025-26.
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: Shiba Sumeshwar, MA III, 755-4018
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachment:
Board Report
Amendment No. 1
Board Order
Agreement