Title
a. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Natividad Medical Center (NMC) or a designee to execute the Sixth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement (A-15194) with The Regents of the University of California on behalf of the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics (UCSF) for neonatology services, extending the term by three months (August 1, 2026 to October 31, 2026) for a revised full agreement term of April 1, 2021 to October 31, 2026 with no change to the Board approved not to exceed amount of $2,100,988 in the aggregate; and
b. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or a designee to sign up to three future amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not significantly change the scope of work, do not cause an increase of more than 10% ($70,000) of the original contract amount and do not increase the total contract amount above $2,170,988.
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 Sixth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement (A-15194) with The Regents of the University of California on behalf of the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics (UCSF) for neonatology services, extending the term by three months (August 1, 2026 to October 31, 2026) for a revised full agreement term of April 1, 2021 to October 31, 2026 with no change to the Board approved not to exceed amount of $2,100,988 in the aggregate; and
b. Authorize the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or a designee to sign up to three future amendments to this agreement where the total amendments do not significantly change the scope of work, do not cause an increase of more than 10% ($70,000) of the original contract amount and do not increase the total contract amount above $2,170,988.
SUMMARY:
Natividad Medical Center (NMC) seeks approval to amend its agreement with the Regents of the University of California on behalf of the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics (UCSF) to extend the contract term and ensure uninterrupted neonatology services for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The amendment provides a three-month extension to allow continued physician coverage and medical oversight. There is no change to the Agreement’s not-to-exceed amount.
DISCUSSION:
Natividad Medical Center’s Level III NICU relies on specialized neonatology services to provide stabilization, intensive care, and ongoing management for critically ill and high-risk newborns. Through this agreement, the Regents of the University of California, on behalf of UCSF, provide 24/7 neonatologist coverage, medical direction, and clinical leadership essential to maintaining patient safety, regulatory compliance, and high-quality clinical outcomes.
This three-month extension is necessary to maintain continuity of neonatology services while Natividad Medical Center negotiates a new agreement for neonatology physician coverage. The additional time ensures uninterrupted physician services without modifying the financial terms of the existing agreement.
The High-Risk Infant Follow-Up (HRIF) program is a required component of Level III NICU operations and ensures that infants at risk for developmental delays receive timely evaluation and coordinated follow-up care. Continuation of these services is critical to meeting State program requirements, supporting long-term infant health, and sustaining NMC’s capacity to care for the region’s most vulnerable newborns. The proposed amendment maintains all existing financial terms, including the not-to-exceed amount, while ensuring continuity of these essential services.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel has reviewed and approved this amendment as to legal form, and the Auditor-Controller has reviewed and approved as to fiscal provisions. The amendment has also been reviewed and approved by Natividad Medical Center’s (NMC) Finance Committee and by its Board of Trustees.
FINANCING:
There is no additional cost associated with this amendment. The total cost of this agreement is $2,100,988 for the period of April 1, 2021 through October 31, 2026. Subsequent amounts will be included in future fiscal years as appropriate. The amendment term is August 1, 2026 through October 31, 2026. This action has no impact on the General Fund.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS SECTION:
Partnering with the Regents of the University of California on behalf of the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics will enhance the breadth of services now being provided at Natividad Medical Center for children in Monterey and neighboring counties, thus allowing more children and their families to remain closer to home for acute pediatric care.
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
Attachment(s):
Board Report
Sixth Amendment
Fifth Amendment
Fourth Amendment
Third Amendment
Second Amendment
First Amendment
Agreement
Attachments on file with the Clerk of the Board