Title
a. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or a designee to execute the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Tele-Rheumatology Medical Associates dba Rheum Without Walls to provide rheumatology services, extending the term by 24 months (January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027) for a revised full agreement term of January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027, and adding $300,000 for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $500,000 in the aggregate; and
b. Authorize the CEO for NMC or a designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not significantly change the scope of work, do not exceed 10% ($20,000) of the original contract amount, and do not increase the total contract amount above $520,000.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Board of Supervisors:
a. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or a designee to execute the First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Tele-Rheumatology Medical Associates dba Rheum Without Walls to provide rheumatology services, extending the term by 24 months (January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2027) for a revised full agreement term of January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027, and adding $300,000 for a revised total agreement amount not to exceed $500,000 in the aggregate; and
b. Authorize the CEO for NMC or a designee to sign up to three (3) future amendments to this Agreement where the total amendments do not significantly change the scope of work, do not exceed 10% ($20,000) of the original contract amount, and do not increase the total contract amount above $520,000.
SUMMARY:
NMC must arrange for care and treatment of hospitalized patients as well as patients who present to the outpatient clinics in need of medical care in the specialty of rheumatology. NMC wishes to amend the agreement with Tele-Rheumatology Medical Associates dba Rheum Without Walls, for which Dr. Farah Salahuddin M.D., a board-certified rheumatologist, will provide rheumatology services in the specialty clinic along with specialty consultation services as needed.
DISCUSSION:
Dr. Salahuddin provides outpatient services to patients in the Specialty Clinic. NMC wishes to amend the agreement to extend the term by 24 months so that Dr. Salahuddin can continue to provide services without interruption. NMC has obtained an independent opinion of fair market value supporting the payment terms of this Agreement.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed and approved this First Amendment as to legal form, and the Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved this Amendment as to payment provisions. The First Amendment has also been reviewed and approved by NMC’s Finance Committee and by its Board of Trustees.
FINANCING:
The cost of this amendment is $300,000.The total not to exceed amount of this Agreement is $500,000 for the period January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027 (47 Months). $59,597.96 is included in the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Adopted Budget; the remaining balance will be budgeted in the subsequent fiscal years. Funding will be provided from NMC’s Enterprise Fund 451-9600-6608.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS SECTION:
The services rendered in this agreement provide Natividad with the additional support it needs to provide reliable and high-quality patient care, which improves the health and quality of life for Monterey County residents and their families.
X_ Well-Being and Quality of Life
__ Sustainable Infrastructure for Present and Future
Safe and Resilient Communities
__Diverse and Thriving Economy
__ Administrative
Prepared by: Jeanne-Ann Balza, Director of Physician Services, 783.2506
Approved by: Charles R. Harris, Chief Executive Officer, 783-2551
Attachments:
First Amendment
Original Agreement
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board